Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Dr Sasmit Patra on the second day of Monsoon session of Parliament, Tuesday, reiterated the demand for building an Odisha Cultural Centre and Library in New Delhi.
“Odisha is a land of rich culture and heritage. Odisha’s famous Odissi dance has earned love from all over the world. Odia language is one of the six classical languages of India. Also, Odia cuisine, textiles, handloom and handicraft have global appreciation,” said Patra.
Arguing for his demand, Patra said in the House that all the aforementioned attributes always attract international as well as domestic tourists towards Odisha. A separate building for showcasing Odisha and its heritage will be a huge attraction for the tourists, he asserted.
Patra pointed out that many states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have been provided space in the national capital to host cultural and social events for promotion of their respective state’s culture.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik December 7, 2019, had written a letter to Union Minister of Housing and Urban Development for allotment of suitable land in New Delhi for the proposed establishment of Odisha Cultural Centre and Library.
Even though nine months have passed since the Chief Minister’s request, the Centre is yet to decide on the same.
PNN
