Bhubaneswar: Senior officers of Odisha government on Tuesday held a discussion with eminent linguists and litterateurs on the first Biswa Odia Bhasa Sammilani (World Odia Language Conference), scheduled to be held from February 3.
Speaking at the meeting, chief advisor to the chief minister R Balkrishnan said the Sammilani will deliberate on past, present and future of Odia language. He sought the cooperation of linguists and litterateurs in this regard as such a conference is being held for the first time.
Sujata Rout Kartikeyan, secretary, Odia Lanuage, Literature and Culture department said the conference will be held as per the decision of the Culture Cabinet on the advice of the chief minister.
In its endeavour to promote Odia language, the government is taking steps to set up library in each panchayat, she said adding that the women, who have made commendable contribution to Odia literature and culture would be felicitated at the conference.
The linguists, litterateurs and classical dance exponents attending the meeting gave their suggestions on introducing ‘jhoti’ (rangoli) on Odia alphabets in educational institutions, popularising ancient literature, publishing textbooks on contemporary Odia literature, promoting child literature and translating books of other languages to Odia.
Culture department director Dilip Routray also spoke at the meeting.
