Summary:
“It will start a new era in popularization and promotion of Odia language, literature and culture. It is a matter of pride for me to lay foundation stone for the Odia university on the birth anniversary of Utkalmani,” Naveen said while addressing a gathering.Stating that the Bakulabana was the seat of Odia renaissance , Naveen said the proposed varsity would take forward the renaissance further. Also, Rs 10 crore has been allocated for construction of the varsity.The proposed varsity would offer post graduate courses in Odia language and literature. In February 2014, Odia ‘classical language’ tag after Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.Criticizing Naveen, senior BJP leader Biswabhusan Harichandan said the state government should take steps to revive the Odia chairs in Utkal University.Ridiculing the chief minister, state Congress president Niranjan Patnaik tweeted, “I thank the CM for laying the foundation stone of Odia University. I hope that he enrolls there soon to learn Odia.”.