The Department of Odia under the School of Comparative Tribal Languages and Literatures (CTLL), KISS-DU and Nikhila Bharata Odia Adhyapaka Sammelana, jointly organized a National Seminar and the 18th Annual Function of the Nikhila Bharata Odia Sammelana on the theme National Education Policy 2020: Odia and Adivasi Language-Literature on 22nd June 2025. The central theme of the seminar was “National Education Policy 2020: Odia and Adivasi Language-Literature”, drawing attention to the role of mother tongues and indigenous languages in nation-building through education.
The event witnessed an august gathering of eminent literary and academic personalities including Dr. Sasanka Sekhar Chudamani, Dr. Ramesh Chandra Behera, Professor Prasanna Kumar Swain, Professor Baishnabcharan Samal, Padmashri Prativa Satapathy, Professor Santosh Kumar Ratha, Professor Basanta Kumar Panda and Professor Ananta Kishore Jena, who enriched the discussions with their deep insights and vast experience.
The day-long discussions revolved around the preservation and promotion of Odia and tribal languages within the framework of NEP 2020 spread across two Technical Sessions. Speakers emphasized the need of incorporating mother tongues in early education, promoting tribal literature, and establishing a research-driven approach towards inclusive education. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, affirming the commitment of KISS-DU and its partners in fostering linguistic diversity, cultural identity, and holistic educational development. The Nikhila Bharata Odia Adhyapaka Sammelana extended heartfelt thanks to the management of KISS Deemed to be University and its visionary Founder, Professor Achyuta Samanta, for their gracious support and excellent arrangements that ensured the successful conduct of the event.
Professor Debashis Bandopadhyay, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of KISS Deemed to be University, graced the occasion and the event was coordinated under the able leadership of Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, Registrar, KISS-DU, Dr. Chittaranjan Bhoi, Dean of the School of CTLL, and Dr. Rasmita Tripathy, Head of the Department of Odia. Scholars, research fellows, and professors from various reputed institutions across the country also marked their presence, contributing meaningfully to the deliberations. A significant highlight of the event was the unveiling of two important publications — the Annual Souvenir and “Jibana Chalapathe”, a soul-stirring collection of poems by Dr. Naliniprava Mahapatra, which added a creative dimension to the intellectual ambience.
