Odisha State Museum Celebrates 68 Years as Custodian of Odia Heritage

Bhubaneswar: With its vast collections narrating centuries of history and culture, the Odisha State Museum continues to uphold the spirit of Odia Asmita and preserve the state’s civilisational legacy, said Ekamra MLA Babu Singh during the 68th Foundation Day celebrations of the museum on Monday.

Gracing the occasion as the chief guest, Singh highlighted the museum’s enduring role in conserving Odisha’s historical treasures and presenting them to the public in an accessible and engaging manner. He observed that the institution has significantly contributed to the promotion of Odia art, literature, culture and heritage, evolving into a key attraction for visitors and a learning space for students and young minds. The MLA also conveyed his best wishes to the museum’s officers and staff for their continued efforts.

As part of the foundation day observances, Singh paid floral tributes to the wheels of the three sacred chariots—Taladhwaja, Darpadalana and Nandighosha—housed on the museum premises. He subsequently inaugurated a special exhibition featuring rare personal artefacts and documents of Bhakta Kabi Madhusudan Rao, allowing visitors a closer look at the life and contributions of the renowned poet.

Adding scholarly depth to the celebrations, two publications—“Odisha Historical Research Journal” and “Odia Abhilekha Sankalana”—were formally released. Eminent artist Surendra Meher was felicitated for his contributions to art and culture, while outstanding students were honoured with prizes for their achievements in competitions organised in connection with the foundation day.

In a special initiative to encourage public participation, the Odisha State Museum remained open with free entry throughout the day, attracting art lovers, students and heritage enthusiasts.

The programme was attended by former Principal Commissioner of Income Tax Manoranjan Panigrahi, former Chairman of the National Monument Authority Professor Kishore Kumar Basa, and Special Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department Deba Prasad Dash, among others. Dr Bharati Pal, Superintendent of the Odisha State Museum, coordinated and conducted the event.