With a view to making its regional identity sharper, Biju Janata Dal government on Tuesday decided to create an ‘Odia language, literature and culture’ department and form a heritage cabinet besides taking a number of decisions to popularise state’s mother tongue and promote Odisha culture. These decisions have been taken in the state cabinet held at Puri, something unprecedented, just before BJD celebrated its 20th foundation day in the temple town. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who is also the party president, presided over the meetings.
Patnaik has always alleged that national parties have let down Odisha. Maintaining equi-distance from both the BJP and the Congress, he says Odisha’s interest can be best protected by his regional party. A provincial party is expected to promote state’s language and culture.
Though the BJD government had taken some measure earlier to give weightage to Odia language, many activists were not happy with them. Besides, doubts were raised from different circles about the chief minister’s own commitment for the language because even after two decades of active life in Odisha, he is not well conversant in Odia.
Tuesday’s cabinet decision is expected to force doubting Thomases to change their perception. As per Tuesday’s decision, tourism and culture department will be bifurcated and culture department will be renamed as Odia language, literature and culture department. A heritage cabinet will be set up to ensure conservation and development of state’s culture, heritage and literature known for rich diversity. To ensure the use of Odia in government offices and to have Odia signboards in shops and business establishments, rules will be amended with penal provision. A World Odia Language Convention will be held once in every five years. There will be incentives for study and research in Odia language. An Odia language Commission will also be set up. All the government programmes and functions in the state will be conducted in Odia. In total, the state cabinet has taken 20 decisions to promote state’s language and culture on the 20th year of the formation of the ruling party.
Addressing partymen at BJD's 20th anniversary function, Patnaik stressed on simplicity in public life and said everyone’s aim should be simple living and high thinking. The 71-year-old leader, who has not changed his attire of white kurta, pajama and kolhapuri chappal during last many years, said simplicity has its own power which connects to masses. He said power, prestige and property have no meaning before people’s love. 'People are our ultimate masters. So serve them with humility,’ he said.
