Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced his commitment to protecting and enhancing “Odia Asmita” (Odia pride) during his inaugural address at the Lok Seva Bhawan on Thursday. Emphasizing the promotion and preservation of the Odia language and culture, Majhi outlined several initiatives his government will undertake.
Majhi revealed plans to establish a commission to promote the Odia language, ensuring all administrative work is conducted in Odia. He stated, “A Translation Academy and Odisha Asmita Bhawan will be set up. If necessary, we will amend the Odisha Language Act to ensure the execution of government work in Odia.”
Further, Majhi announced the reconstitution of cultural bodies such as the Odisha Sahitya Academy, Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy, and Lalit Kala Academy. He also mentioned the reconstruction of Odisha Bhasa Pratisthan, an institution dedicated to the preservation and development of the Odia language, and the establishment of Samanwita Sanskruta Bhawan at the district level.
To support education, Majhi committed to appointing Odia teachers in high schools and launching a library movement to promote reading habits among the people. He invited public feedback on the measures to be taken for the promotion and preservation of the Odia language.
Majhi’s formal occupancy of the chief minister’s office was marked by a traditional welcome, Vedic chants, and the presence of his ministerial colleagues. After serving from a temporary office at the state guest house since his oath on June 12, Majhi officially took his seat in the state secretariat, symbolizing a new era for Odisha after 24 years and three months under the previous administration.
Senior journalist Pradeep Mohanty commented on the challenges of implementing Odia in administrative work, emphasizing the need for a mindset shift and encouraging enrollment in Odia-medium schools over English-medium ones.
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