Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday inaugurated the new campus of Odia University at Satyabadi in Puri district.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister, “The present time is a glorious time for the Odia community. The Puri Parikrama project of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath has been inaugurated recently and the campus of Odia University was inaugurated on Wednesday. The first World Odia Language Conference will be held on February 3. So, surely this is a time of glory for all of us, a time of glory for the entire Odia people.”
On this occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated the vice-chancellor, professors, and students of Odia University and said that we need to encourage the creation of good literature based on our culture, our lifestyle, and our traditions. He hoped that Odia University would take the lead in this regard.
Describing Satyabadi as the cradle of the Odia Renaissance, he said that Utkalmani Pandit Gopbandhu’s work place is Satyabadi.
On this occasion, he paid obeisance to Adi poet Sarla Das and his respects to those who fought for the protection and prosperity of the Odia language.
The Chief Minister said that Odisha is the first linguistic state of the country. Odia language is an ancient language. It has achieved classic status. A lot of rich literature has been created in the Odia language and efforts should be made to spread our literature all over the world. Interest in our language should be created among the youth. The use of Odia language in social media should be increased. He emphasised more research on the Odia language.
Attending the programme, Higher Education Minister Atanu Sabyasachi said that the Odia University is a big contribution of the Chief Minister for the protection of Odia language and identity. He added that Odia people living abroad and love the Odia language and literature are very excited about Odia University.
5T and Nabin Chairman VK Pandian coordinated the programme.
Odia University Prof. Savita Pradhan also spoke on the occasion. Higher Education Secretary Arvind Agarwal delivered the welcome address and Chancellor Rashmirekha Das delivered the vote of thanks.
The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the Odia University at Satyabadi on October 9, 2018. Its first phase was inaugurated today. Built on an area of 9.60 acres, this international education center has been built with the latest architectural style and technology. The Odia alphabets installed in the administrative building look very pleasing. It has classrooms, a library, three hostels, the Radhakund Pool, a cafeteria, and other facilities. All these constructions are very impressive.
