Delhi university to establish centre for Odia studies by 2026-2027

The Delhi University is set to establish a centre for Odia Studies under the Faculty of Arts by the academic year 2026-27. The move aims to expand opportunities and broaden the scope of discussion and research on the Odia language, literature, culture, civilisation, and traditions.

The decision was taken by the executive council meeting chaired by vice-chancellor Yogesh Singh on Friday, which has now been forwarded for UGC approval.

The centre will provide a two-year MA programme in Odia, with a one-year postgraduate programme to be finalised later.

The programme will start with 60 students, maintaining a 1:15 teacher–student ratio and supported by a minimum of four faculty members.

The centre will also be responsible for developing teaching materials, undertaking translation projects, designing comparative literature courses, and building interdisciplinary linkages with other humanities departments.

The Centre will focus on studying the historical evolution of the Odia language, literature, art, architecture, dance forms, traditions, philosophical thought, social reform movements, folklore, and oral heritage.

In the meeting, the administration announced that a newly renovated convention hall will be renamed the ‘Vande Mataram Hall’.

At the meeting, the Executive Council approved budget estimates amounting to ₹1,651.42 crore for the financial year 2026–27. The university also proposed utilising 3.7 acres of vacant land at the Dhaka Complex for the construction of a girls’ hostel.