Bhubaneswar: A committee constituted by the Odisha government has recommended changes in the English spelling of names of 64 places across 26 districts to restore their original Odia identity and ensure pronunciation closer to their traditional names.
The recommendations were made by a panel headed by eminent litterateur Pratibha Ray. The proposal covers a wide range of geographical and administrative units, including districts, district headquarters, sub-divisions, blocks and tahsils.
According to a communication issued by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department to the Odia Bhasa Pratisthana, the committee examined proposals related to the restoration of original Odia place names and suggested revised English spellings that more accurately reflect local pronunciation and linguistic heritage.
Recommended changes:
Angul—Anugola
Pallahara—Palalahada
Talcher—Talacher
Bolangir—Balangir
Bangamunda—Bangomunda
Balasore—Baleshwar
Nilgir—Nilagiri
Soro—Sora
Bargarh—Baragada
Rajborasambar—Rajbodasambar
Bonth—Banta
Boudhgarh—Boudhagada
Cuttack—Katak
Athagarh—Athagada
Salipur—Salepur
Baramba—Badamba
Deogarh—Debagada
Reamal—Riamal
Berhampur—Brahmapur
Hinjilicut—Hinjilikatu
Aska—Asika
Suruda—Sorada
Dasarathpur—Dasharathpur
Dharmasala—Dharmashala
Belpahar—Belpahad
Dharamgarh—Dharmagada
Junagarh—Junagada
Jaipatna—Jayapatna
Lanjigarh—Lanjigada
Bhawanipatna—Bhabanipatana
Khondmal—Kandhamala
Kendrapara—Kendrapada
Aul—Aali
Mahakalapara—Mahakalapada
Keonjhar—Kendujhar
Barbil—Badabil
Keonjhargarh—Kendujhargada
Khurda—Khordha
Balagarh—Bolagada
Banpur—Banapur
Jatni—Jatani
Jeypore—Jayapur
Podia—Padia
Betnoti—Betanati
Samakhunta—Shamakhunta
Moroda—Morada
Rasgovindpur—Rasagobindapur
Panchpir—Panchapidha
Umerkote—Umarkot
Nayagarh—Nayagada
Daspalla—Dashapalla
Khariar—Khadial
Nimapara—Nimapada
Rairakhol—Redhakhol
Sonepur—Sonpur
Binka—Binika
Sundargarh—Sundaragada
Bonaigarh—Banaigada
Koira—Koida
Lephripara—Lephripada
Subdega—Sabdega
Bargaon—Badagan
Lahunipara—Lahunipada
Rourkela—Raurkela
The proposed revisions are part of a broader effort by the state government to strengthen the use of the Odia language in official communication and preserve the cultural and linguistic authenticity of place names. The recommendations are expected to be examined further by the government before any formal notification is issued.
