Bhubaneswar: The state anthem ‘Bande Utkala Janani’ will find place in Class IX and X curriculum in Odisha. A notification in this regard was issued Friday with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik approving the same.
From now onwards, students of Class IX and X will have the opportunity to read this magnum opus of Kantakabi Laxmikant Mohapatra.
Notably, the state government had accorded state anthem status to ‘Bande Utkala Janani’ this year. Similarly, responding to a call by Naveen, Odia people across the globe sang the anthem at 5.30pm May 30 in honour of COVID-19 warriors.
On this occasion, Naveen said the song will help not only strengthen patriotism among Odia students but also make them familiar with the greatness and vastness of Odisha.
While the song is being sung in Utkala Sammilani’s sessions since 1912, the same has continued to be a state anthem in every Odia’s heart since April 1, 1936, the date when Odisha was accorded statehood.
PNN
