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New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Minister Pradhan hails Bidyutprabha Devi's immense contribution to enriching Odia literature
BHUBANESWAR: Renowned poet Bidyutprabha Devi is one of the foremost symbols of women's empowerment in Odisha, said Union Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Speaking at the birth centenary celebration of Bidyutprabha Devi, organised by the Odisha Sahitya Akademi at RD Women's University, the Union minister said her dedication to literature from an early age and her enduring passion have inspired generations. 'When one speaks of feminist voices in Odia poetry, her name stands tall. She is a true symbol of women's empowerment and her writings continue to guide and inspire us. In this age of Artificial Intelligence, we must use technology to promote and expand the reach of Odia literature to a global audience,' he said. Eminent writer Pratibha Ray, who attended as the guest of honour, said Bidyutprabha Devi was an exceptional poet. 'Her works enriched Odia literature significantly. Her poetry, rooted in feminism and socialism, evokes deep emotional resonance,' she said. Speaking on the occasion, Culture minister Suryabanshi Suraj said women play a crucial role in achieving the vision of Viksit Odisha-2036 and Viksit Bharat-2047. A painting workshop based on the life and legacy of Bidyutprabha Devi was inaugurated by Pradhan on the occasion. Among others, son of Bidyutprabha Devi and former V-C of Central University Sachidananda Mohanty, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh and secretary of Odisha Sahitya Akademi Chandrasekhar Hota were present.
India Gazette
12-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Should have asked for apology from Odiyas," Dharmendra Pradhan accuses Rahul Gandhi of insulting Odisha's culture during recent visit
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], July 12 (ANI): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his recent remarks on Odisha, accusing him of insulting the state's culture and traditions during his visit. Pradhan said that instead of making fresh allegations, Gandhi should have apologised to the people of Odisha for the humiliation caused by the Congress party in the past. He also accused the Congress MP of disrespecting the sacred 'khandua pata', a traditional cloth offered in honour of Lord Jagannath. Speaking to reporters, Pradhan said, 'Rahul Gandhi is not so knowledgeable. He speaks what his team writes for him. I would have liked it if he had sought an apology from the people of Odisha after all the humiliation we have faced from his party... He had come to Odisha after so long, he really should have asked for an apology from the Odiyas... Instead of that, he gave another example of his arrogance. Whoever comes to Odisha, they are offered 'khandua pata' in the form of the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath... When Rahul Gandhi removed and kept the 'khandua pata' aside, it shows that he does not have an iota of knowledge and respect for our culture and traditions. These are just theatrics...' On Friday, Rahul Gandhi had accused the Odisha government of stealing from the poor and alleged that industrialist Gautam Adani was running the state. He also claimed that the chariots of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra were stopped for Adani and his family. Meanwhile, Dharmendra Pradhan attended the birth centenary celebration of eminent writer Bidyutprabha Devi at RD University in Bhubaneswar. Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj and senior BJP leaders were also present at the event. Pradhan praised the Odisha Sahitya Akademi and the Odia community for organising the event and honouring literary contributions. 'I express my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi and the Odisha Government. I also thank the Odia community for organising this cultural event. This program will inspire the younger generation, especially women, to develop a greater interest in literature and give more respect to literary contributions,' he said. He added that such initiatives would encourage young people to value literature and stressed the need to promote the Odia language using modern technology. 'I fully support this initiative and request that such efforts continue throughout the year. In today's time, with the rise of new technologies like AI, it is important that we work together to promote and enrich the Odia language in the digital world. All Odias should come forward to help make our language stronger and more advanced,' Pradhan said. (ANI)
India Gazette
12-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Should have asked for apology from Odiyas": Dharmendra Pradhan accuses Rahul Gandhi of insulting Odisha's culture during recent visit
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], July 12 (ANI): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his recent remarks on Odisha, accusing him of insulting the state's culture and traditions during his visit. Pradhan said that instead of making fresh allegations, Gandhi should have apologised to the people of Odisha for the humiliation caused by the Congress party in the past. He also accused the Congress MP of disrespecting the sacred 'khandua pata', a traditional cloth offered in honour of Lord Jagannath. Speaking to reporters, Pradhan said, 'Rahul Gandhi is not so knowledgeable. He speaks what his team writes for him. I would have liked it if he had sought an apology from the people of Odisha after all the humiliation we have faced from his party... He had come to Odisha after so long, he really should have asked for an apology from the Odiyas... Instead of that, he gave another example of his arrogance. Whoever comes to Odisha, they are offered 'khandua pata' in the form of the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath... When Rahul Gandhi removed and kept the 'khandua pata' aside, it shows that he does not have an iota of knowledge and respect for our culture and traditions. These are just theatrics...' On Friday, Rahul Gandhi had accused the Odisha government of stealing from the poor and alleged that industrialist Gautam Adani was running the state. He also claimed that the chariots of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra were stopped for Adani and his family. Meanwhile, Dharmendra Pradhan attended the birth centenary celebration of eminent writer Bidyutprabha Devi at RD University in Bhubaneswar. Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj and senior BJP leaders were also present at the event. Pradhan praised the Odisha Sahitya Akademi and the Odia community for organising the event and honouring literary contributions. 'I express my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Odisha Sahitya Akademi and the Odisha Government. I also thank the Odia community for organising this cultural event. This program will inspire the younger generation, especially women, to develop a greater interest in literature and give more respect to literary contributions,' he said. He added that such initiatives would encourage young people to value literature and stressed the need to promote the Odia language using modern technology. 'I fully support this initiative and request that such efforts continue throughout the year. In today's time, with the rise of new technologies like AI, it is important that we work together to promote and enrich the Odia language in the digital world. All Odias should come forward to help make our language stronger and more advanced,' Pradhan said. (ANI)
Time of India
03-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Odisha Sahitya Akademi organises workshop on Kalinga War
1 2 3 Bhubaneswar: Odisha Sahitya Akademi organised a workshop on Kalinga War at Pantha Nivas here on Tuesday, emphasising the importance of preserving and promoting the state's rich historical legacy for future generations. Culture minister Suryabanshi Suraj attended the workshop as chief guest and emphasised that Odia nationalism transcends regional boundaries and plays a crucial role in shaping youth leadership in the current generation. "Our youth will emerge as strong leaders in the development of both Odisha and India at large. They will create a distinct identity for themselves as heirs of Kalinga. They will carry forward the legacy of Kalinga," said Suraj. The workshop featured three specialised sessions focusing on different aspects of Kalinga War, such as the pre-war status of Kalinga state, the war period, and post-war developments. Discussions also covered Odisha's maritime history, naval heritage and Buddhist artefacts. Secretary of the Akademi, Chandra Sekhar Hota, who conducted the proceedings, announced that the workshop's conclusions would be documented for future reference and implementation. The Akademi will oversee the proper reflection and practical application of the findings. The event brought together prominent literati, storytellers, columnists and historians, highlighting the democratic spirit of open dialogue and debate in preserving and understanding Odisha's cultural heritage.
New Indian Express
21-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Paul Zacharia says Kerala's modernity rooted in cultural harmony at Dr Gopinath Mohanty Memorial Lecture
BHUBANESWAR: Kerala's modernity has been sustained by a sanity that goes beyond communal divisiveness and preserved in hands of the common people of the state - the Hindus, Muslims and Christians, who help and respect one another and coexist with cultural harmony, said acclaimed author Paul Zacharia on Sunday. Delivering the 34th Dr Gopinath Mohanty Memorial Lecture here on 'Emergence of Modern Mind: The Kerala Experience', the renowned Malayalam writer said tremendous pressure was at work to demolish the coexistence, considered the heart of Kerala's modernity and prosperity. He said the ghosts of the past revived in new form are still trying for dominion with ferocity in Kerala. 'However, it is saved in the hands of the common people, at least for now,' Zacharia said. The writer said Hinduism, Islam and Christianity have all played a major role in the shaping of Kerala. 'There has been intense competition among people of these religions, especially after Independence, for political power, economic power, educational opportunities and government jobs. However, they managed not to create enmity and hate among themselves,' Zacharia said and added this spirit of co-existence was the first building block of Kerala's modernity. Terming Gopinath Mohanty as an unofficial chronicler of the tribal people of Odisha, Zacharia said the former was an outstanding humanist who held the lives of the tribal people close to his heart all his life both as an author and administrator. Two translated works of Mohanty, who dominated the Odia literature for over four decades, were unveiled at the event organised by Odisha Sahitya Akademi and Gopinath Mohanty Foundation Trust. Culture director and Odisha Sahitya Akademi president Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya, Gopinath Mohanty Foundation Trust chairperson Prof Omkar Nath Mohanty and other dignitaries also spoke.
