Odisha Minister Suryabanshi Suraj answers meaning of ‘asmita’ to BJD MLA Arun Sahoo

Odisha Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has responded in writing to a question from Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Arun Sahoo concerning the interpretation of the term ‘asmita’.

In a written reply to Arun’s question, Suryabanshi explained that, as per the Odia dictionary, the word ‘asmita’ conveys concepts of ‘I’ ness, self-awareness, and an understanding of one’s unique existence.

This definition is sourced from the Odia dictionary published by the Odisha Sahitya Akademi, under the purview of the Government of Odisha’s Department of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture. The dictionary was first published in 2017 and re-issued in 2020.

Despite the Minister’s detailed explanation, Arun Sahoo expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the explanation did not fully address his inquiry about the term’s deeper implications.

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“I had asked about the meaning of ‘asmita’ and got the answer that ‘asmita mean’s ‘I’ ness, self awareness and ego. As I could not understand it, I will ask the question again. It must be clarified further. I am looking for the answer on how much they are able to fulfilled the ‘asmita’ they are talking about. I have got only partial answer of my question. I have been waiting for the full answer of it,” said Sahoo.

In response, Minister Suryabanshi said, “We have only quoted what the then government had the understanding about ‘asmita’. It has been mentioned that ‘asmita’ is a noun which means ‘I’ ness, self awareness and an understanding of one’s unique existence.”

“I heard Arun Bhai giving statement about ‘asmita’. Definitely, he is more knowledgeable and experienced than me. I respect his opinion. We have given the reply on ‘asmita’ by quoting the dictionary which has been prepared under the purview of the government. It’s not possible for me to explain about ‘asmita’ in only pen and paper. Odia ‘asmita’ means to be in the feeling of Odia art, culture, language, tradition and development,” he added.