Gunpur: 21st Aug 2025:The Utkal Sammilani has once again become active. Today, an important meeting of the Gunpur branch of Utkal Sammilani was held at the local Gundicha Temple. The meeting, presided over by Rayagada district Utkal Sammilani president Braja Kishore Nayak, focused on reviving and preserving Odia language, literature, culture, and traditions. It was highlighted that if collective efforts are not made, Odia language and literature face serious threats.
The meeting called upon every Odia individual, including those residing in Andhra-Odisha border areas, to actively contribute to protecting Odia language and literature and to strengthen their cultural heritage. Discussions emphasized nurturing Odia traditions for future generations.
Attendees from Rayagada included Kishore Panda, Rajesh Padhi, Madan Mohan Padi, Binayak Kar, Yogeshwar Das, Sabya Sachi Sahu, Arun Panigrahi, and Shiv Mishra, who pledged to advance the organization and work for the development of Odia literature and traditions, ensuring Odisha’s proud legacy is passed to future generations.
Prabhat Kumar Satapathy, president of the Bansadhara Sahitya Samaj, criticized the misuse of Odia language, such as writing official documents in distorted forms or using English for marriage cards, and urged all Odias to maintain pride in their language. He also emphasized the need to name settlements after great Odia personalities and celebrate Odia luminaries’ anniversaries and Utkal Divas in schools to pay tribute to their contributions.
Former MLA Raghunath Gamang stressed that while Odisha is developing, the public must maintain enthusiasm for preserving Odia language, culture, and traditions, and work with determination for their promotion.
A proposal to install a full statue of Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati at Parala in Umasankar Das’s area and name the bypass square after the Maharaja received full support. The proposal was approved by Shiv Prasad Goud, Vice-Chairman of the Municipal Council, who also promised full cooperation to activate Utkal Sammilani.
The meeting was attended by senior lawyers Rajendra Padhi, Brahmananda Pattnayak; professors Dr. Suryanarayan Panda, Devi Acharya; and other notable members including Muna Pani, Indrakshi Das, Rajeev Sahu, Anil Sahukar, and Tirupati Rath. Sahadev Rath offered thanks at the end. The program was organized by Ranjit Padhi, with software engineer Chintu Das pledging ₹5,000 for the Gajapati statue installation.
Finally, it was announced by President Braja Nayak that the general council meeting of Utkal Sammilani will be held in Rayagada on Sunday, 24th August.