Koraput: The Government College of Koraput recently celebrated Classical Odia Language Day. On this occasion, a state-level one-day seminar was organized on the theme “Status and Progress of the Odia Language in the 21st Century.”
In the inaugural session, the chief guest, Professor Narsingh Charan Panda, Director of the Department of Languages at Central University of Odisha, spoke about the antiquity and distinctiveness of the Odia language.
The event was presided over by the college principal, Deepak Kumar Pattnayak, who highlighted how Jagannath culture has enriched and strengthened the Odia language. He emphasized that language and culture are interdependent, and the more we explore language, the more it evolves and expands with new vocabulary.
After the students’ welcome song, Dr. Lopamudra Swain, Head of the Odia Department, introduced the guests. The session was moderated by Professor Sujata Sharangi, who also delivered the vote of thanks.
The first session of the seminar focused on “Development of Science and the Odia Language.” The keynote speaker, Professor Natabar Satapathy, former professor at Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, discussed the status of the Odia language in the 21st century. He emphasized that every individual has a responsibility to preserve and promote their language.
The second session, titled “Odia Language in the 21st Century: Memory and Progress,” was held on March 2025 (Tuesday) at the Seminar Hall of the Odia Department, Koraput College, Odisha.
Professor Girish Chandra Mishra, former director of the Center for Technology, provided guidance on the significance of technology in language promotion and development. He stressed the necessity of technological advancements in preserving the Odia language, mentioning that digitization would accelerate the process of language preservation. This session was conducted by Dr. Preetidhara Samal, while Prashant Santra delivered the vote of thanks.
Dr. Ramesh Chandra Behera, Deputy Secretary of the Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha, attended as a guest and subject expert. He discussed “Odia Language in Social Media,” illustrating how mass media plays a crucial role in the preservation and promotion of the language.
This session was moderated by Dr. Preetidhara Samal, while Professor Dr. Manoranjan Nayak gave the vote of thanks.
The program was attended by students and faculty members, including Nalini Mishra, Uday Shankar Jani, Bijay Pradhan, Ravi Satapathy, C.H. Shantakar, Jaladhar Swain, Madhusudan Swain, and others. Additionally, associate professors Dr. Sushil Gadnayak, Dr. Byasadev Pradhan, Dr. Brahmachari Khamari, Dr. Ranjan Barik, Dr. Kovid Pradhan, Dr. Himanshu Bhushan Nanda, Dr. Keshab Bhue, Dr. Durgaprasad Panigrahi, and Dr. Kamal Mahunta actively participated, encouraging the students.