Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Saturday called for a collective effort to transform Odia into a language of knowledge, skills, innovation and opportunities, saying its empowerment goes beyond merely speaking the mother tongue.
Addressing a state-level seminar, “Ama Bhasha – Ama Garba O Viksit Odisha@2036 pain Drustibhangi”, organised by socio-cultural and literary organisation Biswamukti at Jayadev Bhawan here, Kambhampati stressed the need to make quality educational material in Odia, particularly in technical, scientific and professional subjects, widely available.
He also called for translating laws, government schemes and important official documents into simple and accessible Odia to help students studying in the Odia medium understand and learn more effectively.
“Language is not merely a medium of communication,” the Governor said, noting that the mother tongue reflects a society’s imagination, values and collective aspirations. It also helps build self-confidence among children and facilitates knowledge-sharing and participation in socio-economic life, he said.
Recalling Odisha’s rich linguistic and literary heritage, Kambhampati referred to the contributions of Jayadeva, Sarala Das and Upendra Bhanja and said the formation of Odisha as a linguistic state was a historic achievement. Every generation, he added, has a responsibility to protect, enrich and carry forward the state’s language and heritage.
The Governor said modern technology, digital platforms and artificial intelligence could help make Odia more relevant and accessible to the younger generation as the state works towards the goal of Viksit Odisha@2036.
He emphasised that students from Odia-medium schools should have equal access to higher education, professional careers and emerging technologies. A strong foundation in Odia, combined with proficiency in English and other languages, would broaden the outlook of the youth and contribute to the state’s development, he said.
Kambhampati also stressed the need to ensure access to knowledge, skills, technology and opportunities for rural and urban youth, women, workers and different sections of society.
On the occasion, the Governor released “Uthibaki Jatir Kankala”, a poetry collection authored by Law, Excise and Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, and congratulated him on its publication.
Higher Education, Sports and Youth Services and Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Bhubaneswar (Ekamra) MLA Babu Singh, writer and speaker Professor Archana Nayak, and writer Professor Biswaranjan also addressed the seminar. Biswamukti editor Professor Shashanka Chudamani delivered the welcome address.
