The State Government has decided to observe Shastriya Odia Bhasha Divas (Classical Odia language Day) on March 11 to promote Odia language across the State. According to the decision, the Culture Department with support of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi would organise various programmes for the purpose.
Essay and debate competitions would be held in all high schools and colleges and meetings would be held at the State and district levels on the proposed day. The district-level competitions would be completed by March 5. The winners would be given cash prizes and certificates. The State-level competition would be held at the Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya where district-level toppers would participate. A programme involving seminars and release of books would be organised on the State-level Shastriya Odia Bhash Divas on March 11. These were revealed at a meeting held under chairmanship of Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Panda here on Tuesday.
Among others, Culture Secretary Dr Aravind Padhee, Culture Director Sushil Kumar Das, Joint Secretary Bishnu Prasad Mishra and Odisha Sahitya Akademi secretary Aswini Kumar Mishra were present.
