Odisha demands Central Institute of Classical Odia

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government today demanded establishment of a Central Institute of Classical Odia here.

"To promote further research and development of this classical language, I propose that a central institute of classical odia (centre of excellence for studies by the GOI) be established at central institute of classical odia," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wrote to Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Smriti Irani.

Patnaik also suggested that two professional chairs be started in the Central University of Odisha, Koraput from this academic year and be followed by chairs in other central universities.

Similarly, Patnaik mentioned in the letter that as per provisions, two major international awards my be instituted by the Centre and be given to scholars of eminence in Odia classical language.

"The state government is committed to extend all necessary support in this regard," Patnaik said adding the Centre's declaration of classical tag to Odia language has been highly appreciated by litterateurs, linguistics and people at large.