More than 500 prominent personalities from different industries, over 100 distinguished speakers, policy makers, officials and experts associated with the field of skill development are attending the two-day summit.

The conference, organised with collaborative efforts of the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) and the department of Skill Development & Technical Education, will conclude on Tuesday.

The event assumes significance as Odisha has now come to be known as one of the major states in the country in terms of social, economic and investment. In this conference, ideas are being brainstormed on the future growth and employment opportunities of the youth in Odisha.
More than 10 motivational seminars will be organised during the two-day conference.

Principal Secretary of Skill Development and Technical Education department, Usha Padhi, Chairperson of OSDA and CEO of World Skill Centre Alka Mishra, Director of Directorate of Technical Education and Training Reghu G along with prominent personalities from the industry attended the inaugural session.

Odisha’s minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Health and Family Welfare Niranjan Pujari inaugurated the two-day event, being hosted by Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) Deemed to be University in the backdrop of the first World Odia Language Conference.

The minister said Odisha was carved out as a state on the basis of language in 1936, and Odia boasted of a rich heritage and legacy.

The minister said the state government had planned the three-day World Odia Language Conference to create ripples and generate consciousness among the Odia youth and those living outside the state or country about their own language.

Among others who graced the inaugural session were literateur and former Odisha minister Rasbehari Behera, expert on culture Prof. Jagannath Das and media expert and editor Dr Umakanta Mishra.

Dr Gayatribala Panda, Head of SOA Centre for Preservation, Propagation and Restoration of Ancient Culture and Heritage of India (PPRACHIN) and Prof. Jyoti Ranjan Das, Dean (Students’ Welfare) delivered addresses at the programme, which was presided by SOA Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pradipta Kumar Nanda.

Pujari quoted extensively from the works of celebrated Odisha poets Gangadhar Meher and Bhima Bhoi, saying that their poetry contained deep philosophical value which needed to be studied and researched.

Chief guest Behera praised the government for showing positive intent to promote Odia language, and said this programme should have continuity and that there was a need to create passion for Odia among school and college students.

Dr Mishra felt that universities should take the lead in promoting Odia by popularising it among students.

The opening day’s discourses included subjects like ‘Jagannath Culture’, ‘Ancient Odia Literature’, ‘Medieval Odia Literature’ and ‘Puranic Literary Traditions in Medieval Odia Literature’. The subjects of the discourses on Monday will include ‘Odisha’s Tribal Culture’, ‘Odia Literature’, ‘Odia Culture’ and ‘Modern Odia Literature’.

The inaugural programme started with the State anthem, ‘Bande Utkal Janani’. The government has also urged all Odias, including those residing outside the state and country, to join in singing the state anthem.

The three-day event will see over 10,000 people, including linguists, scholars, researchers and students, deliberating on Odia language and literature from ancient period and its relevance in future while providing a glimpse into initiatives being taken to spread the language globally. It includes showcasing an Odia Virtual Academy, plans for increasing pages of Odia in Wikipedia and Odia fonts.

International scholars like Hermann Kulke, Uwe Skoda, Arlo Griffths, Annette Schmiedchen along with several national scholars will participate in the deliberations. Discussion on development of Odia language through the ages will also be held.

The play, depicting the bravery and sacrifices of Buxi Jagabandhu during armed rebellion against the British rule in Odisha in 1857, was staged on the premises of Harekrushna Mahtab State Library in the city. While it was written by Soubhagini Ray, Dhira Mallik directed it.

The artists of Satabdira Kalakar, a prominent cultural club in Bhubaneswar, played different roles in the play. The officials of the library witnessed the play.

The three-day World Odia Language Conference is scheduled to start at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar from February 3.

Speaking on the occasion, noted journalist and columnist Om Prakash emphasized the need for a disciplined approach to achieve success in any endeavor. Known for his emphasis on religious tolerance and the universality of all religions, Vivekananda played a key role in introducing Hindu philosophy to the Western world. Swami Vivekananda’s teachings continue to inspire millions, emphasizing the importance of service to humanity and the pursuit of knowledge, he said.

Quoting Swami Vivekananda, Assistant Professor of Kamala Nehru Women’s College Dr. Madhusmita Das said this day holds great significance as it serves as a means to awaken the enduring energy of the youth and encourage their significant efforts towards the development of the country. She advised the students to follow the proceedings of Swamiji to lead purposeful, meaningful life with moral values.

Assistant Professor of MJMC, IMS Nibedita Das in her opening remarks outlined the importance of National Youth Day, welcomed and introduced the guests. Assistant Professor and Course Coordinator of MJMC Manoranjan Panda moderated the session. Siprarani Tripathy, a student of MJMC Department, proposed the vote of thanks.

The Government of India officially declared January 12 as National Youth Day in 1984, and since 1985, it has been celebrated across the country.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister wished the three-day conference, to be held from February 3 to 5, a huge success.

“I hope this conference will serve as a good forum for exchange of views among intellectuals, researchers, scholars, and students,” the CM said.

Stating that Odisha is the first linguistic state in modern India, Naveen said Odia language has gained the status of one of the classical languages and has increased the glory of our soil and language. The first World Odia Conference will discuss the past, present, and future of the Odia language and set goals for its propagation, he said.

The Chief Minister further said that as a strong carrier of a unique heritage, the conference will find ways to increase the respect for the Odia language among our future generations and how our language can progress through modern technology, as well as the future course of action.

It may be recalled that the world conference was approved at a meeting of Heritage Cabinet chaired by the Chief Minister on December 19, 2023.

The Chief Minister has already appealed to all stakeholders to make the conference a grand success. He has directed the Odia Language, Literature and Culture department to coordinate with all concerned for smooth conduct of the event.

“The World Odia Language Conference will reflect the unique identity of our language. It will deliberate on how to further popularise Odia as a classical language. It will attempt to attract the young generation of the state to adopt the language in various technical applications in present time,” he had said earlier.

Eminent linguists and language researchers from around the world will deliberate on antiquity and continuity of Odia language in the three-day conference. Besides discussing the origin, development and spread of the language, the experts will also make fact-based presentation on the outline on its history, present and future.

A preparatory meeting on Patha Utsav was held by additional commissioner of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday to finalise the events, schedule and details of the street fest.

As per the decision, the first edition of Raahgiri will be organised on Janpath on December 24. The next editions will be held in Ekamra and Patia on January 7 and January 21 respectively.

This time, the BMC is planning to organise the event on a bigger scale with additional activities. There will be workshops, games, cultural shows and live events. Plans are also afoot to include various contests like painting.

“Two firms have submitted their proposals with presentations to the BMC. A team of experts will review the proposals and take a decision,” said a senior official of the civic body.

For first time, a ‘Kids Zone’ will be part of the festival for the children. There will also be ‘Pets Zone’ where people can showcase the talents of their pets. Besides, an ‘Old Age Zone’ will be created for entertainment and physical exercise of senior citizens.

Since the first edition will be held on the eve of Christmas, Santa Claus will entertain the children and various baked items of millet will be on sale during the event which will continue from 6.30 am to 9.30 am on Sundays.

Organised by the Odisha SSEPD Department, on the eve of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the workshop had a thorough discussion on the theme of this year’s celebration. It was expressed that given the multiple challenges we are facing today, the world is not on track to reach many SDG targets according to the preliminary findings from the UN Disability and Development Report 2023. Thus united efforts of Governments, NGOs, Social Engineers, Corporate Bodies and Civil Society have become necessary to have more visible socio-economic growth of PwDs.

The speakers discussed many aspects of SDG targets in Odisha such as the co-relation between UN Vision and SDGs, digital empowerment of PwDs, education and skill development and livelihood, new technology for education and training, norms and standards of model behaviour and social adequate towards PwDs, monitoring the off-tracking of SDGs, transformative solutions against the mix and misconception towards PwDs, disability accessibility, excellence in sports, barrier-free school, involvement of PwDs in disaster risk reduction and multiple crises faced by PwDs in their day to day life. It was also suggested to have an integrated sports complex for PwDs, a call centre, a database for job-seekers, and strengthening of empowerment activities from the grassroots level in Odisha.

Dr. N.C.Pati and Sannyasi Behera chaired two sessions respectively while Jagadananda, Member, Standing Committee of NITI Ayoga, Dr Pratap Rath, Psychologist, Former Administrator R.K. Sharma, Soubhagya Routray, Siba Prasad Behera, Rajiv Raturi, Mohit Kejriwal, Bijay Routray, Md. Jafer Ekbal, Dilip Roy, Special Secretary of the Deptt. and others participated. Deepak Routray proposed a vote of thanks.

Addressing the inaugural function of a 3-day programme, organised by the department to mark the International Day of PwDs in Bhubaneswar, Panda said this year’s theme “United in action to rescue and achieve sustainable development goals for, with and by PwDs” is aimed at championing inclusivity in all spheres – social, economic and cultural.

Highlighting various welfare measures to empower the PwDs, the minister said energy and potential in them should be meaningfully utilised to make them responsible partners in socio-economic growth.

Achyuta Samanta, MP, Kandhamal, said PwDs must be treated with equal dignity, opportunities, rights and livelihood. Inclusion requires more contact and awareness among civil society, he said and emphasised on the spread of education among PwDs for sustained growth.

Bishnupada Sethi, principal secretary, SSEPD, in his remarks said several schemes and programmes of the government have brought visible transformation in the life of PwDs. “To diminish and bridge the disparity meted out to persons with disabilities, we must come together and embrace them with open arms and warmth,” he added.

MLAs Ananta Narayan Jena and Susant Kumar Rout, Dillip K Ray, special secretary, SSEPD and Director Niyati Pattnaik also spoke on the occasion.

The 3-day event includes a painting exhibition, 40 stalls opened by various stakeholders of SSEPD department, cultural programmes, film shows, discussion on different topics related to the PwDs and a walkathon. A health camp organised at State Institute for Empowerment of PwDs (SIEP) will continue for 3 days at Pokhariput in the city.

Organised by Institute of Media Studies (IMS), Utkal University in partnership with KIIT and ICCSR, the three-day media mahakumbh being held at KIMS auditorium, was inaugurated by Chattisgarh Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan who gave a clarion call to use the digital technology for the welfare of masses and strengthening of democracy.

In his speech, Harichandan highlighted the role of Utkal Kesari Dr Harekrushna   Mahtab in preserving democracy and press freedom.
“During the National Emergency, Dr Mahtab – through his hard hitting columns ‘Gaon Majlish’ – had sent the message across that democracy cannot die and the rights of citizens cannot be threatened,” he said.

Prof Upendra Padhi, Chairman of National Media Conclave and Director of IMS, in his welcome address, highlighted the theme of the conclave and its usage for social good.

Vice Chancellor of Utkal University Prof Sabita Acharya, in her presidential address, said digital technology and media can enable a greater democracy by encouraging larger participation of people.

Prof BP Sanjay of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, in his opening remarks, underscored the technology driven, technology centric world where Digi-Tech has emerged as a disruptor.

Prof Ramon Guillerermo R Tuazon, Secretary General, Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC), emphasized on the essence of using Digi-Tech in crucial areas like food security, climate change, agricultural production etc.

Books ‘National Education Policy: Transforming India’ authored by Prof VL Dharurkar and ‘Health Communication’ and ‘Gaon Katha’ penned by Prof Fakir Mohan Nahak were released on the occasion.

Prof. KV Nagaraj, pro-vice chancellor of Assam Central University, was conferred with Life-time achievement award for his outstanding contribution to the field of media education. A lecture in memorabilia of Late Prof Sunil Kant Behera was delivered by Prof Nagaraj.

On the day, two sessions – ‘Digital Technology (Media): Need for a robust hybrid education system’ and ‘Policy and programmes for enhancing gender inclusivity in digital ecosystem’ – where experts from academics and communication shared their thoughts.

On the Day-2 of the conclave two plenary sessions and six parallel paper reading sessions will be held where 130 research papers will be presented.