The two-day Preparatory Level Envisioning Workshop aimed at developing a State Implementation Plan for the Bharatiya Bhasha Ecosystem successfully concluded today at Utkal University, Vani Vihar.
Jointly organised by Utkal University and the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti under the Ministry of Education, with support from Vidya Bharati Uchcha Shiksha Sansthan, Odisha, the event drew over 100 participants, including academics, researchers, and university representatives from across the state.
Throughout the two-day program, delegates engaged in rigorous institutional mapping, identified specific regional requirements, and formulated draft inputs for the State Implementation Plan through dedicated plenary sessions, technical tracks, and collaborative group work.
Quality, Scale, and Speed in Translation
Addressing the valedictory session as the chief guest, Akhil Kumar Mishra, Additional Director General of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and Central Bureau of Communication, Bhubaneswar, stressed upon the vital role translation plays in democratising access to knowledge across Indian languages.
He noted that meeting the rising demand for multilingual academic content requires an uncompromising focus on quality, volume, and processing speed.
Highlighting the transformative impact of modern language technology, Mishra pointed to digital platforms such as Bhashini, Anuvadini, and Udaan as crucial enablers.
He stressed that technological innovations must seamlessly complement India’s rich oral and linguistic traditions while safeguarding their unique cultural heritage.
Strengthening Odia in Higher Education
Dr Swati Mishra, Registrar of Utkal University, emphasised the critical need to develop high-calibre educational materials in Odia, particularly to ease the academic transition for students shifting from Odia-medium schooling to higher education.
She advocated for strengthening Indian languages as dynamic mediums for modern research, innovation, technology, medicine, engineering, and the social sciences.
The workshop also formulated a strategic roadmap focused on systematically documenting Odisha’s micro-histories and integrating indigenous knowledge systems into upcoming academic curricula.
The valedictory proceedings featured addresses by Prof. Jagneshwar Dandapat, PG Council Chairman; Prof. Rabindra Garada, Head of the Department of Sociology; Prof. Gyanaranjan Swain from Gangadhar Meher University; Prof. Sashi Ranjan Akela from the Ministry of Education; and Prof. V.R. Gampa from Delhi University. The event wrapped up with the formal felicitation of dignitaries and a vote of thanks delivered by local coordinator Dr Tanaya Mohanty.
