The Classical Odia language Day was celebrated with punch line “Classical Odia language is lifeline for every Odia” here on Saturday. The function was organised by the Classical Odia language Steering Committee.
Notably, the Odia language became the sixth language of the country to have got the classical tag by the Union Cabinet. Once a language is declared classical it gets financial assistance for setting up a centre of
excellence for the study and implement it in all Government official levels.
Utkal University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Ashok Dash stressed on need for promotion of Odia among the youths and students, while speaking on the occasion. He urged that people should read more Odia literary books.
Padmashree Debiprashnna Patnaik said, “We want the Odia language to be used as the main language in all offices of the State. Odia needs to be used for official circulars, imparting information, at marketing places, traffic posts, police stations, in all application forms, examinations and internet and nameplates.”
Speaking on this occasion, Berhampur University VC Prof Dr Deepak Kumar Behera highlighted the glorious history and heritage of Odia language and called upon the youth to cherish it.
Dr Rama Chandra Khuntia, president of the committee, said that the time has come to understand the need to preserve the rich heritage of the language.
Notably, the committee has been demanding implementation of the Orissa Official language Act, 1954 — which recognizes Odia to be used for all of the official purposes.