The Odisha Sahitya Akademi marked its 68th Foundation Day with a vibrant celebration at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar, highlighting its pivotal role in preserving and promoting the Odia language, literature, and culture.
The event was inaugurated by Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who emphasised the Akademi’s efforts in bringing Odisha’s rich literary heritage to the younger generation.
In his address, Minister Suraj lauded the Akademi for its significant contributions, stating, “The Odisha Sahitya Akademi plays a crucial role in ensuring that Odisha’s literary treasures reach the new generation. Over the past year, the Akademi has organised numerous programs to promote Odia literature across the state.” He highlighted key initiatives, including the celebration of revolutionary poet Dharanidhar’s birth anniversary in Keonjhar, Pandit Raghunath Murmu’s birth anniversary in Mayurbhanj’s Rairangpur, and poet Jayadeva’s birth anniversary in Kendubilwa, alongside the Eastern Writers’ Meet, youth writers’ conclave during Odia Paksha, and various book launches and discussion forums. The Akademi published over 40 books in the past year, expanding its reach to every corner of Odisha.
Minister Suraj also stressed the importance of integrating the Odia language into digital and Artificial Intelligence platforms to elevate its global presence. “We must continue our relentless efforts to make Odia a globally recognised language,” he urged.
The event saw the participation of distinguished guests, including Sahitya Akademi and Odisha Sahitya Akademi awardee Shantanu Kumar Acharya as the chief guest and eminent writer Professor Niladri Bhushan Harichandan as the guest of honour. Both luminaries shed light on the Akademi’s role in enriching Odia literature.
A highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of several significant publications, including Pandit Harihara Das, Saraswata Sadhaka Nanda Kishore Samal, Shri Jagannath Aitithya Shataka, Mrutyunjaya, Natya Shastra (Volumes I and II), and specialised issues on Konark by Dayanidhi Mishra, Gangadhar Meher, and Surendra Mohanty, among others. The Akademi also honoured winners of statewide competitions in essay writing, oratory, poetry recitation, and general knowledge. Students excelling in Odia at undergraduate and postgraduate levels were awarded cash prizes of ₹10,000 and ₹15,000, respectively.
Established in 1957, the Odisha Sahitya Akademi has been a beacon of literary excellence. The event was graced by notable figures, including Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department, Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya, Special Secretary Deb Prasad Dash, Akademi Secretary Chandra Sekhar Hota, and several literary scholars and intellectuals.
The celebration underscored the Akademi’s commitment to fostering a new generation of literature enthusiasts while preserving Odisha’s cultural and literary legacy.
