Bhubaneswar: The 69th Foundation Day of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi was celebrated at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar on July 25. Eminent literary personalities, government officials, and distinguished guests attended the event, reaffirming their commitment to the promotion and preservation of the Odia language and literature.
The dignitaries who graced the event included Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, The Sambad Editor Tanaya Patnaik, noted children’s author Prof. Dash Benhur, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyay and Special Secretary Deba Prasad Dash. Secretary of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi Dr Chandrasekhar Hota was also present on the dais.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Babu Singh described language as “the backbone of a nation,” underlining that a people’s identity is inseparable from their mother tongue. He recalled that Odisha became India’s first state to be formed on a linguistic basis in 1936, underscoring the enduring significance of the Odia language as the cornerstone of the state’s cultural identity.
He minced no words in heaping praise on the Odisha Sahitya Akademi for its continued efforts over the decades in enriching Odia language and literature through book publications, literary discussions, and initiatives that preserve and celebrate the legacy of eminent writers.
Speaking on the occasion, Tanaya Patnaik extended her greetings to the Odisha Sahitya Akademi on its Foundation Day. While reiterating that Odisha takes immense pride in its Jagannath culture, Odissi dance, Odia language, and rich literary heritage, all of which have earned the state a distinct place on the global cultural map, she expressed hope that the Akademi and the youth would continue working together to expand the reach and influence of Odia literature.
Prof. Dash Benhur pointed out that literature reflects the soul of society and that the timeless works of Odia literary icons have greatly enriched the state’s literary tradition. He was generous in praising the Akademi for its efforts in introducing these literary treasures to younger readers, encouraging creative writing, and preserving the ideals of legendary literary figures for future generations.
Deba Prasad Dash threw light on the early days of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi and expressed his confidence that the Akademi would continue its mission of taking Odia literature to a wider national and global audience.
The celebration also featured the release of several publications, including ‘Brajanath Granthabali’, ‘Arjuna Das Rachanabali’, ‘Ashtavakra Gita’, ‘Konark Panchasakha Special Issue’, and ‘Bagmi Gaurikumar Brahma’.
In addition, documentary films depicting the lives, philosophies, and enduring contributions of Atibadi Jagannath Das, Sarala Das, Saint-Poet Bhima Bhoi, Kabisurya Baladeba Rath, Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja, Vyasa Kabi Fakir Mohan Senapati, and Ramadevi were unveiled during the event.
On this occasion, candidates who secured first, second and third positions in the state-level essay, speech, poetry, and general knowledge competitions were felicitated with cash awards of Rs7,000, Rs6,000, and Rs5,000 respectively, along with trophies and certificates of merit.
At the same time, students securing the highest marks in Odia at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels were also honoured with cash awards of Rs10,000 and Rs15,000 respectively in recognition of their academic excellence.
While Dr. Chandrasekhar Hota presented a comprehensive overview of the Akademi’s activities and conducted the proceedings of the programme, Dr Mrutyunjay Rath compered the event.
