Bhubaneswar: In a remarkable display of solidarity, Odias worldwide came together to sing Odisha’s state anthem, ‘Bande Utkal Janani,’ at 11:00 AM on the inauguration day of the first World Odia Language Conference (1st Biswa Odia Bhasa Sammilani), marking a collective celebration of Odia language and culture.
State government officials, both in Odisha and abroad, participated in this symbolic event, singing the state anthem in unison at the designated time. In all State government offices across Odisha, including the Lok Seva Bhawan, officials gathered to express their unity and pride in their cultural heritage.
At the Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, the event took place in front of Palm Court, drawing the participation of rank and file employees along with senior officials. Special Secretary of the Home Department, Santosh Bala, led the gathering in singing ‘Bande Utkal Janani.’ The event saw the presence of Principal Secretary of the Health Department, Shalini Pandit, Additional Secretary of General Administration & Public Grievances Department, Siba Narayan Sahoo, Additional Director of Information & Public Relations Department, Santosh Kumar Das, and other officers and employees from various departments.
A similar rendition of ‘Bande Utkal Janani’ took place in the Information & Public Relations Department, where Additional Secretary Bishnupriya Sahu led the program. Joint Director Gurbir Singh, Deputy Secretary Prabhakar Behera, Assistant Finance Adviser Pruthviraj Pani, Under Secretary Sunanda Mishra, and all officers and employees of the Department actively participated.
The Odisha government had issued an appeal to all Odias across the globe to participate in this collective singing of ‘Bande Utkal Janani’ at 11:00 AM on February 3, aligning with the commencement of the first World Odia Language Conference in Bhubaneswar. The appeal aimed to symbolize the global Odia community’s connection with its cultural roots, fostering a sense of shared pride and identity.