Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will inaugurate the first Biswa Odia Bhasa Sammilani (World Odia Language Conference) at Janata Madan here at 11 am on Saturday to celebrate the language and rich cultural history of Odisha.
The inaugural programme will start with the State anthem, ‘Bande Utkal Janani’. The government has also urged all Odias, including those residing outside the state and country, to join in singing the state anthem.
According to sources, the 3-day event will see over 10,000 people, including linguists, scholars, researchers and students, deliberating on Odia language and literature from ancient period and its relevance in future while providing a glimpse into initiatives being taken to spread the language globally. It includes showcasing an Odia Virtual Academy, plans for increasing pages of Odia in Wikipedia and Odia fonts.
International scholars like Hermann Kulke, Uwe Skoda, Arlo Griffths, Annette Schmiedchen along with several national scholars will participate in the deliberations. Discussion on development of Odia language through the ages will also be held.
Eminent linguist Debi Prasanna Pattanayak will be conferred with the first Odia Bhasha Samman (World Odia Language award) during the mega event for his contribution in giving a boost to the Odia language and literature. He will be receive a cash award of Rs 20 lakh and a certificate of recognition. Winners of Jnanpith Award, Padma awardees, Sahitya Akademi awardees and recipients of Kabir Samman and highest awards of state academies will also be felicitated on the occasion.
A museum, showcasing the evolution of Odia and an exhibition of printing presses and Odia newspapers and mobile libraries, will also be an attraction at the venue.
As a precursor to the event, the CM on Friday inaugurated Akshar Bhumi on the premises of Kala Mandal. The magnificent building embossed with alphabets of Odia, has been built with khandolite stones in Kalinga style of architecture to represent Odisha’s traditional art and sculpture.
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