In a powerful call to protect and enrich the Odia language, Padma Shri Debi Prasanna Pattanayak urged Odias to embrace their mother tongue with renewed pride and urgency at the grand release of the inaugural edition of the language-centric magazine Odisha Bibhaba.
The milestone event, held at Jayadev Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, brought together eminent litterateurs, journalists, and language activists who expressed deep concern over the declining everyday use of Odia in the state. While acknowledging the importance of other languages, speakers emphasised that neglecting one’s mother tongue weakens cultural identity and heritage.
Chief Guest Padma Shri Pattanayak painted a candid picture of the current state of affairs. “It is not wrong to use other languages, but the regular use of our mother tongue is equally essential,” he said. He stressed that every Odia must ensure Odia resonates on their lips and in their homes. “Our mother tongue is our identity (asmita). When this identity becomes stronger, our heritage will shine with even greater glory,” he added.
Presiding over the function was noted poet, storyteller, and Sahitya Akademi awardee Rakshak Nayak. Other distinguished guests included language expert Dr Basant Panda, writer Prof. Sanghamitra Mishra, Odisha Sahitya Akademi Secretary Dr Chandra Shekhar Hota, senior journalists Dhirendranath Das (successor to Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das’s legacy), Kantakabi Laxmikanta Mohapatra’s successor Prabhu Kalyan Mohapatra, and many others.
Organiser and senior journalist Ashok Kumar Sahoo delivered the welcome address, while journalist Swapna Kumar Sahoo compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.
The gathering honoured several dedicated language warriors, including former legislator and writer Sipra Mallick, Biswa Odia Pariwar president Sajjan Sharma, firebrand activist Pabitra Maharatha, journalist Pradeep Pattnaik, Prof. Debilal Mishra, and Dr Satyanarayan Mishra, for their relentless efforts to promote Odia.
Speakers unanimously echoed the message: “If the language survives, our existence survives.” They urged the audience to lead by example—correcting their own usage of Odia and encouraging its dignified, daily practice in homes, offices, and public spaces.
The launch of Odisha Bibhaba marks a significant step in the ongoing movement for linguistic self-respect and cultural revival in Odisha.
