Preservation of Odisha’s Cultural Heritage Takes Center Stage at Utsav Odisha
Bhubaneswar: In a celebration of Odisha’s rich cultural tapestry, the two-day Utsav Odisha concluded at the MKCG Auditorium in Utkal University, drawing attention to the imperative need for preserving the state’s cultural heritage, tradition, and language.
The closing ceremony, graced by eminent writer and academician Prof. Shantanu Acharya as the chief guest, emphasized the expansive reach of Odia culture. Prof. Acharya highlighted, “Odia culture transcends geographical boundaries; our ancestors have imprinted our cultural legacy globally. Evidence lies in the existence of three Odia civilizations in faraway America.”
Revisiting the cultural treasure trove, he highlighted the responsibility of every Odia in spreading the culture beyond borders, stating that “Intellectual awareness of our culture and literature is the need of the hour.” Expressing concern, Prof. Acharya also noted the distortion of Odia culture by certain historians and writers, calling for accurate representations.
Jagadananda, founder secretary of CYSD and a social reformer, stressed the grassroots promotion of culture through village assemblies. He urged the youth to actively participate in preserving their cultural identity and emphasized documenting the oral histories of tribal communities.
A technical session, titled ‘Resurgence of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture,’ featured Nihar Ranjan Dash, noted writer and Special Secretary of Public Enterprises Department. Dash emphasized the essence of culture residing in spiritual traditions, customs, festivals, and manners, encouraging the integration of Odia language into daily life for its rightful recognition.
Dr. Subhashree Lenka, author, spoke about the importance of cultural sensitization and the role of individuals in contributing to the preservation of their culture and literature. Journalist and poet Kedar Mishra highlighted the significant role of communication in the evolution of culture and literature.
Organized by the Institute of Media Studies (IMS) in collaboration with Utkal University and the OLL&C Department, the festival aimed to promote Odisha’s culture and national integration. Prof. Upendra Padhi, Director of IMS, announced that Utsav Odisha would become an annual event in the academic calendar, facilitating discussions on critical cultural heritage issues and the necessity for cultural communication.
