Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday decided to take a slew of measures as part of efforts to give new directions to the cultural landscape of the state.
Several key decisions were taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Minister for Odia Language, Literature & Culture Suryabanshi Suraj to promote the state’s culture and literature in a big way.
One of the major decisions was the restoration and development of ‘Pather Puri’, the ancestral residence of Rabindranath Tagore in Puri, into a museum dedicated to the great poet’s memory, an official statement said.
The department also announced plans to set up a theme pavilion during the upcoming Bali Jatra in Cuttack, starting on November 5. The pavilion will showcase the works of eminent Odia writers and their literary contributions. Indonesia will be invited as the Partner Country for this year’s event.
Similarly, under the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative, an Indian state will also be invited as Partner State. Cultural troupes from several South Asian countries will be invited to participate and showcase their traditional performances.
This apart, the meeting decided that financial assistance will be provided to Kendrapada Gajalaxmi Puja, following similar support extended to Dhenkanal’s celebration.
Additionally, the department will expedite the process of filling vacant posts in various institutions, including Culture University, Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Bibhuti Kanungo College of Art and Crafts, and Government College of Art and Crafts, Khalikote.
The State Archaeology will undertake the restoration and conservation work of the Kalidas Temple in Kendrapada district.
Besides, the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC) has been directed to speed up the construction work of the Odia Asmita Bhawan near Sainik School in Bhubaneswar.
These initiatives aim to promote Odia culture, literature, and heritage, and provide opportunities for cultural exchange and development.