Emphasizing the significance of the global Odia diaspora, a virtual meeting was held today to deliberate on the critical role of Non-Resident Odias (NROs) in the realization of ‘Viksit Odisha 2036’.
Organised under the aegis of the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department, in collaboration with the Directorate of Odisha Paribar and the Odisha Sahitya Akademi, the event commemorated the Odisha Return Memorial Day of Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan Das. The core theme of the discussion was “The Role of Pravasi Odias in Building Viksit Odisha 2036.”
Chaired by Dr. Chandra Sekhar Hota, Secretary of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi, the meeting reflected on Madhusudan Das’s pivotal role as the chief architect of the separate province of Odisha. The day is observed to mark his return to Odisha after completing his studies in Kolkata.
Dr. Hota noted that just as Madhu Babu’s efforts to unite Odias and forge a unique identity for Odia language and literature remain highly inspiring, today’s NROs play a major role in globalizing Odia culture. He expressed confidence that the diaspora will be instrumental in preserving ‘Odia Asmita’ (identity and pride) both nationally and internationally, contributing significantly to a developed Odisha by the state’s centenary in 2036.
Eminent litterateur Dash Benhur paid tribute to Madhu Babu, shedding light on his life and his monumental contributions to the formation of the separate state. He appealed to Pravasi Odias to actively promote Odisha’s traditional art, culture, and the rich heritage of Shree Jagannath Culture globally, thereby upholding the state’s legacy and glory.
Pravasi Odias residing in various cities across India and abroad—including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Dubai, and London—participated in the session. They shared detailed insights into the activities being undertaken in their respective regions to promote Odia culture. The participants unanimously pledged to elevate the legacy and unique identity of the Odia community on the world stage.
The virtual meeting was coordinated and moderated by Shri Pritish Panda, Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Directorate of Odisha Paribar.
