Bhubaneswar: Utkal Divas or Utakala Dibasha is celebrated on April 1 every year to remember the formation of the Odisha state after a struggle to be recognised as an independent state. Under the British rule, Odisha was part of the Bengal presidency, which consisted of the present-day Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.
The state celebrates the day with a restricted holiday. The day is also known as Odisha Foundation day and Vishuva Milan.
The region became part of Kalinga after it was conquered by Magadha King Ashoka in 261 BC to expand his Mauryan rule. After Mauryan rule, King Kharavela’s rule began in Odisha. Kharavela managed to avenge the Mauryan invasion by defeating Magadh. Historians credit Kharavela for laying the foundation for Odisha’s fame as a land of art, architecture and sculpture. He also managed to establish a powerful political state.
Gajapati Mukunda Deva was the last Hindu king of Odisha. He was defeated by the Mughals in 1576. A few hundred years later, the British took over and divided the state into different parts. The northern and western districts of the state became part of what was then called Bengal presidency.
The new province of Odisha was formed after people’s continued struggle, which finally paid off on April 1, 1936. Sir John Hubbak was the first governor of the state.
Notable leaders from that movement are Utkala Gouraba, Madhusudan Das, Utkala Mani, Gopabandhu Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Pandita Nilakantha Das, and many others.
The state was originally called Orissa but the Lok Sabha passed the Orissa Bill, and Constitution Bill (113rd amendment), in March 2011 to rename it Odisha.
Naveen Patnaik of the Biju Janta Dal (BJD) is currently the Chief Minister of Odisha.
History:
British Rule and Bengal Presidency:
During the British Raj, the region of present-day Odisha was administratively a part of the Bengal Presidency. This administrative arrangement meant that Odisha’s affairs were managed from Calcutta (now Kolkata), which was far removed from the cultural and linguistic realities of the Odia-speaking people.
Rise of Odia Identity:
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a growing sense of identity among the people of Odisha. Prominent Odia intellectuals, writers, and activists started advocating for the recognition of Odia language and culture, which they felt were being neglected under the dominance of Bengali culture in the Bengal Presidency.
Language Movement:
The demand for a separate province for Odisha gained momentum through various movements and protests. One significant aspect of this movement was the linguistic assertion, as Odia-speaking people felt the need for administrative reforms that would address their linguistic and cultural distinctiveness.
Formation of Odisha Province:
Responding to the demands of the Odia-speaking populace, the British government decided to reorganize the administrative divisions in India. On April 1, 1936, Odisha was officially separated from the Bengal Presidency and established as a separate province. The newly formed province included various princely states and territories, with Cuttack as its capital.
Modern Observance:
Today, Utkal Divas is celebrated across Odisha with great enthusiasm. It includes various cultural programs, processions, seminars, and exhibitions that highlight the rich heritage and diversity of Odisha. The day serves as a reminder of the struggles of the past and the aspirations for a prosperous future for the people of Odisha.
Overall, Utkal Divas is not only a celebration of the formation of the state but also a celebration of Odia identity, language, culture, and heritage. It holds deep significance in the hearts of the people of Odisha and serves as a symbol of their unity and pride