BJD MLA and Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Prasanna Acharya, has raised a strong plea for the recognition of the Kosali language as an official state language of Odisha and its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
During the Zero Hour in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Acharya highlighted the cultural and linguistic significance of Kosali, spoken by over 1.5 crore people across 11 districts of Odisha.
Kosali boasts a vibrant literary heritage, with poems, short stories, and even its own dictionary, demonstrating its richness. Acharya pointed out the popularity of Kosali songs like “Rangabati,” which have gained acclaim not only in Odisha but across the nation.
Despite many languages without a unique script being recognized in the Eighth Schedule, Kosali continues to be overlooked. Acharya appealed to the Odisha government to submit a proposal to the central government advocating for Kosali’s inclusion and granting it official status in the state.
