Bhubaneswar: In a first, the Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Odia Chair at Benaras Hindu University will organize a two-day conclave on Odisha’s culture and heritage on April 1-2, commemorating the Odisha Foundation Day. The conclave has been titled as “Know Odia, Know Odisha: A Window to Odisha’s Heritage.”
“Celebrating Odisha Foundation Day! Odia Chair is hosting a conclave, Know Odia, Know Odisha – A Window to Odisha Heritage, on April 1-2, 2025. Eminent speakers from Odia literature, culture, music, cinema, and arts will share insights. Join us in celebrating the Odia essence,” a post from the forum’s official account on X stated.
The Government of Odisha had established ‘Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Odia Chair”, at Banaras Hindu University to introduce teaching and research programmes with the aim of supporting Odia Languages, Literature and cultural studies at BHU. It aims to establish linkages with other Universities and institutions in Odia Languages in order to promote teaching and research in its literacy and cultural traditions. It also gives exposure to students of the University to learn Odia language and literature and to carry forward research in the area. It also introduces the history, traditions and distinctive feature of Odia language and literature to non-Odia speakers.
The event will highlight the Jagannath culture and is being endorsed as a platform for intellectual and cultural exchanges. Intellectuals from diverse fields like Monarma Biswal Mohapatra, Sangita Gosain, Surya Deo and Gurukalyan Mohapatra will address various sessions at the conclave. Odissi and Sambalpuri dance performances will also be presented.
