Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister and BJP MP from Sambalpur, Dharmendra Pradhan, on Thursday greeted people of Odisha on the occasion of ‘Sambalpuri Din’ (Sambalpuri Day), marking the birth anniversary of literature scholar Satya Narayan Bohidar.
In a video message on X, Dharmendra said that the scholar’s dedication and sacrifices in enhancing the dignity of Sambalpuri language, culture and literature will always be remembered.
He also mentioned about establishment of Rangabati Centre of Excellence in Cultural and Sustainable Management’ at IIM-Sambalpur for research on the art, literature, culture, and history of western Odisha, with a special emphasis on textiles. “Let us celebrate this day for Sambalpuri Asmita and spread the message of brotherhood,” he added.
ଆଏଜ୍ ହେଉଛେ ୧ ଅଗଷ୍ଟ – ସମ୍ବଲପୁରୀ ଦିନ୍ । ଇ ଅବସର୍ ଥି ସମ୍କୁ ଅଭିନନ୍ଦନ୍ । pic.twitter.com/PODG5HvPNC
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) August 1, 2024
BJP national vice president & Kendrapada MP Baijayant Panda also extended wishes on ‘Sambalpuri Din’.
‘The day marks the birth anniversary of Guru Satyanarayan Bohidar whose age-defining contributions to the promotion of the dialect through his books provided the western Odisha language the identity it has today,” he posted on X.
Bohidar is known as the pioneer of Sambalpuri language and grammar. The poet was born on August 1, 1913, at Sonepur.
In 2013, on his 100th birth anniversary, Paschima Anchal Ekta Manch decided to celebrate the day as Sambalouri Din. People wear Sambalpuri handloom and distribute free food in Sambalpur on this day.
THE SCHOLAR
Though Bohidar was born in Sonepur, his creative years were spent in Sambalpur, where he was brought by his aunt after the death of his mother. He completed his studies in Samablpur and then started his professional career as a teacher from Bargarh.
He did his schooling from Sambalpur Zilla School and later served as a teacher there. His first literary piece was published when he was in Class X. It is believed that he laid the foundation of Sambalpur literature.
He used to encourage other people and his students to write in Sambalpuri language. Many people consider him as their Guru. He also inspired Ranjit Nath for Sambalpuri dance. He played an important role in spreading Sambalpuri art and culture.
Bohidar had also prepared a dictionary and grammar in Sambalpuri language. He is the author of ‘Kosali Bhasakosh’. His works also include Tik Chahnra (1975), Ghavghavo, Ghuvkudu and many more. He wrote all these books in Kosali or Sambalpuri language besides many poems.
He died on December 31, 1980.
