The Department of Odia, School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures (SCTLL), KISS Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, observed Classical Odia Language Day (ଶାସ୍ତ୍ରୀୟ ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଭାଷା ଦିବସ) on 11th March 2025. The event served as an intellectually enriching occasion that underscored the historical, linguistic, and literary eminence of the Odia language. By providing a scholarly platform for discussions on the preservation, dissemination, and advancement of Odia as a classical language, the event reinforced the imperative role of academic institutions in linguistic conservation.
The proceedings commenced with a Welcome Address and an erudite exposition on the significance of the day by Dr. Rasmita Tripathy, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Odia, SCTLL. In her discourse, Dr. Tripathy meticulously delineated the trajectory of Odia’s linguistic evolution, its rich literary tradition, and the rationale behind its recognition as a classical language of India. She emphasized the critical necessity of fostering an academic ecosystem that not only safeguards but also promotes Odia through rigorous scholarship and digital archiving. Her address also advocated for an integrative pedagogical approach, wherein Odia studies would be seamlessly incorporated into the mainstream educational curriculum, thereby ensuring its continued relevance among future scholars.
The Inaugural Address was delivered by Dr. Chittaranjan Bhoi, Associate Professor and Dean, SCTLL, who expounded upon the interplay between language and cultural identity. Dr. Bhoi underscored the indispensable role of linguistic scholarship in the sustenance of cultural heritage, urging scholars to engage in substantive research on classical Odia literature. He commended KISS Deemed to be University for its proactive initiatives in promoting indigenous linguistic traditions and called for an expansion of interdisciplinary studies that contextualize Odia within broader South Asian and global literary paradigms. He further stressed the need for policy advocacy to reinforce the linguistic and literary stature of Odia at national and international levels.
A pivotal segment of the event was the scholarly engagement of students, who delivered well-researched presentations on the historical and contemporary significance of the Odia language. Their orations encompassed diverse thematic dimensions, including the linguistic evolution of Odia, its role in shaping Odisha’s cultural identity, and the profound contributions of Odia literary figures. Some students critically analysed classical Odia texts, while others highlighted the need for digitization and translation to enhance the global accessibility of Odia literary works. Their participation illustrated a commendable depth of understanding and a commitment to linguistic preservation.
The event proceeded with an incisive Keynote Address by Professor Debashis Bandyopadhyay, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, KISS-DU, who provided a comparative literary framework to situate Odia within global linguistic traditions. He emphasized the intertextual dialogues between Odia and other classical languages, elucidating how Odia literary aesthetics have contributed to the broader corpus of Indian literature. Professor Bandyopadhyay further highlighted the necessity of fostering a robust corpus of critical Odia scholarship, advocating for extensive research, documentation, and comparative linguistic studies that transcend regional and national boundaries. His lecture underscored the exigency of preserving classical Odia literature through sustained academic inquiry and international collaborations.
The formal proceedings concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Biraj Krushna Mishra, Assistant Professor and Head, Sanskrit Department, SCTLL. Dr. Mishra extended heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished speakers, faculty members, students, and administrative staff for their invaluable contributions to the success of the event. He reiterated the imperative of sustained scholarly engagement with Odia language studies and encouraged interdisciplinary collaborations to elevate Odia to greater academic prominence. The entire programme was meticulously coordinated by Dr. Nibedita Mohanty, Associate Professor, Department of Odia, KISS-DU.
