NIT Rourkela celebrated Utkal Dibasa 2024
Rourkela: The Institute celebrated the auspicious occasion of the Foundation Day of the State today on 1st April 2024 at B. B. Auditorium, NIT Rourkela from 5.00 pm onwards. On this occasion, a programme was organised by the Utkal Dibasa Celebration Committee, NIT Rourkela, in collaboration with the Odia Sahitya Samaj (OSS) Club (Student Activity Centre, NITR), to commemorate the essence of Utkal Dibasa. Dr. Subrat Kumar Prusty (Member Secretary of the Institute of Odia Studies and Research, Bhubaneswar, Odisha) graced the occasion as Chief Guest of the event and delivered his keynote speech on the topic; “Utkala Dibasa Resolution: Technical Education in Mother Tongue”.
The programme started with Pushpanjali to Lord Jagannath and Shraddhanjali Arpan to all the leaders whose efforts led to the foundation of a separate Odisha Province in 1936. The event then followed the state song ‘Bande Utkala Janani’. The programme coordinator, Prof. R.K. Biswal, then briefed on the glory of the state said, “Our existence, identity, and development are grounded by our parents, soil, and mother tongue. When parents communicate in their native language, children naturally learn from them. The soil embodies our history, geography, and economy, and binds our culture and traditions. Our languages facilitate the preservation of indigenous knowledge, folklore, and oral histories, enriching the cultural tapestry of society. Therefore, it is important to embrace our Odia language and culture to transmit cultural values, traditions, and customs from one generation to the next.”
Extending greetings to the audience for the auspicious day, Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao (Director, NIT Rourkela) said, “I take great pride in being associated with Odisha, a land rich in culture and heritage. The people of Odisha have upheld the values of inclusiveness and carried forward the legacy of freedom fighters. On the occasion of Utkal Divas, let us shoulder the responsibility of addressing societal challenges and devising innovative solutions. I call upon the youth of Odisha to prioritize incubation and innovation, striving to become job creators and bolster the regional economy and societal development and create Odisha as a start-up Hub.
Prof. Sidhartha S. Jena (Dean, Student Affairs), Prof. Rohan Dhiman, (Registrar), and Prof. Rajeev Kumar Panda (President, Student Activity Centre) joined the dais extending their wishes and thoughts to mark the day. The event included the unveiling of the second edition of “SAMPOORNA” magazine published by the student club Odia Sahitya Samaja.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Subrat Kumar Prusty gave an insightful presentation on the topic, “Utkala Dibasa Resolution: Technical Education in Mother Tongue” and presented a brief on the essence of being an Odia, which he presented with authentic data. He said, “The growth and development of Odia education and civilization which gained expertise in writing, form, calculation, usage and rules, etc., is an example of the best art and beautiful craftsmanship found in the stone inscriptions of Kumar Kumari mountain.” He thoroughly discussed the education system of the British period and its transformation into the modern education system. With the advent of modernity, he highlighted the future of vocational and technical education in the Odia language.
Over 500 people attended the programme including regional school children. These school students have taken part in part in various companions like the Odia Spelling Bee, Model Legislative Assembly competition, Odia Elocution competition, Poem recitation etc. organised by the OSS Club. The winners of the same were awarded during the programme. The event then had a cultural programme including Odissi and Sambalpuri group dance, Poetry etc. An exhibition showcasing the history, culture, and heritage of Odisha was also organised for the audience in the RM hall of the institute. The event concluded with felicitations to the guests and a vote of thanks by Smt. Swagatika Sahoo (Secretary and Co-Coordinator, Utkal Dibasa Celebration Committee).