The Odisha government has launched a major initiative to restore authentic Odia names of places across the state by correcting colonial-era distortions in English spellings.
Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management, Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, directed all district collectors to submit detailed proposals within seven days.
Dr Padhee emphasised reinstating original Odia names for districts, headquarters, subdivisions, blocks, and tehsils where current English transliterations misrepresent Odia pronunciation and cultural identity. The move seeks to preserve Odisha’s linguistic and cultural heritage while eliminating distortions introduced during British rule.
The government highlighted examples such as “AUL” in Kendrapara district, which originated from colonial pronunciation difficulties. Officials proposed corrections like “Ali” or “Aali” to reflect authentic Odia usage. Similarly, proposals include Khurda to Khoradha, Balasore to Baleshwar, and Keonjhar to Kendujhar.
Reports from 13 districts have already reached the department, and fresh suggestions will be consolidated with public opinions from legislators, MPs, and citizens. The government plans to finalise recommendations soon, ensuring official records align with Odia phonetics and heritage.
The directive underscores urgency, urging collectors to expedite reviews and submit proposals quickly. By correcting transliteration errors, Odisha aims to reinforce cultural identity and strengthen its historical legacy.
