Oriya language to flourish only when people use it with pride

Post News Network , Bhubaneswar, March 11: On the occasion of ‘Bhasha Diwas’ a seminar on ‘Development of Oriya Language’ was held by Utkal Culture University at IDCOL Auditorium here Wednesday.
After the declaration of the Oriya language as a classical language last year, it was decided that March 11 would be celebrated as ‘Bhasha Diwas’ every year.
Attending the seminar, culture minister Ashok Panda said, “It is an honour for the people of Orissa that the Oriya language has got the recognition of a classical language. Only six languages have got this recognition and Oriya is one of those. Though the government has taken the initiative to promote the language but it is in the hands of the people to use the language proudly. A love for mother tongue is very essential, which will help popularise the language not only in Orissa but also outside the state and it will be possible only when we use the language everywhere.”
Prominent linguistic Dr Antaryami Mishra said, “It is a proud moment that our language has been given the status of classical language. It’s a very good initiative but the promotion of the language depends upon the community that uses it. Language belongs to everybody and is not the property of any individual so it is the collective responsibility of everyone. People from all walks of life can play an important role in the promotion of a language.
“The promotion of Oriya language at the national and the international level is very necessary and we have to do this. Now it is time to take more strong steps for the development of the language. Getting recognition only means that we have taken every step for the preservation of pure form of Oriya language and that it doesn’t get diluted by other languages,” he added.
Dr Satkodi Hota who also attended the program said, “After receiving the status of classical language, we have received a new challenge, the challenge of preserving and promoting the language among the people of Orissa and others. Now there is a craze among people to speak in English and Hindi and that attitude needs to be changed”
Padmashree Debi Prasanna Patnaik, Khageswar Mahapatra, Debendranath Jena vice chancellor of Utkal Culture University, Harihar Kanoonga, were among others who spoke on the occasion.

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