Odisha Varsity Drops Sambalpuri Studies As It Fails To Draw Students

Bhubaneswar: Sambalpur University, in Western Odisha, has discontinued the Diploma in Sambalpuri Studies course as the subject has failed to attract students over last few years.

Sambalpur University had started offering the course with the aim of promoting, enriching and preserving Sambalpuri language, art and tradition, way back in 1997. But according to Sources, not a single application has been received by the university for the course in the last three years.

The Sambalpuri course, though not approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC), was kept under the ambit of Department of Odia.

The syllabus included the history of Western Odisha, geographical conditions, demography, Sambalpuri culture, art, tradition, festivals, biographies of prominent personalities and freedom fighters and several books written in the language.  It was taught by the faculty of Odia and History departments.

The course, said Sanjat Kumar Sahu, Registrar of Sambalpur University, was discontinued as it failed to get the desired response, reports the Indian Express.

“However, we may reintroduce it again in future, if applicants express their interest in it,” Sahu added.

He also stated the reason why Sambalpuri studies didn’t make a mark.

“The varsity could have attracted students by promoting the course properly. Many students do not know that such a course was offered by the university. It was a promising course for those looking to do research on Sambalpuri language and culture,” he said.