Bhubaneswar: Odisha Cabinet on Sunday accorded state anthem status to the patriotic song ‘Bande Utkala Janani’ penned by poet Kantakabi Laxmikanta Mohapatra.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh informed that, “The song has been inspiring people of Odisha since ages. It was a long standing demand of people of the State to accord state anthem status to Bande Utkala Janani which has been passed by the State cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.”
The song is being sung during various conferences of Utkal Sammilani since 1912 and it became state anthem when Odisha became a separate State in 1936.
According to Arukh, Odias across the globe had come together on the clarion call of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to sing Bande Utkala Janani on May 30 to honour the COVID-19 warriors.
As per the State Cabinet’s decision, I&PR department will prepare and release a uniform lyrics, style of singing and its recording.
Besides, it will be sung at all Government programs, Assembly sessions, college and university cultural functions.
It will also be incorporated in school and college course curriculum and necessary directions have been issued to School and Mass Education department.
Grandson of Kantakabi, Prabhu Kalyan Mohapatra termed the decision of the State government to accord official anthem status to Bande Utkala Janani as historic. "The song has a deep connection with the heart of every Odia. It is a matter of great pride for all of us," he said.
Union PNG Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also expressed happiness over the announcement of Odisha government.
Noted music director Laxmikant Palit also hailed the decision that said that it will help preserve the sanctity of the song that has such a long history and important role in the formation of Odisha as a separate state unit.
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