1st World Odia Language Conference on Feb 3, Govt Officials Hold Meeting With Linguists & Litterateurs

Bhubaneswar: As part of preparations for the first Biswa Odia Bhasa Sammilani (World Odia Language Conference), scheduled to be held from February 3, senior officials of the Odisha government held discussions with eminent linguists and litterateurs of the state on Tuesday.

Attending this meeting, chief advisor to the Chief Minister R Balakrishnan said that this conference will delve into the past, present and future of the Odia language. He sought the cooperation of linguists and litterateurs for the success of this maiden conference.

According to Sujata Rout Kartikeyan, secretary, the Odia Language, Literature and Culture department, this conference is being held as per the decision of the Culture Cabinet on the advice of the chief minister. In its attempt to promote the Odia language, the government has proposed to set up a library in each panchayat. According to her the women, who have contributed to Odia literature and culture would be felicitated at the conference.

The linguists, litterateurs and classical dance exponents attending the meeting gave their suggestions on introducing ‘jhoti’ (rangoli) on Odia alphabets in educational institutions, popularising ancient literature, publishing textbooks on contemporary Odia literature, promoting child literature and translating books of other languages to Odia.