‘Shishu Katha Divas’ Celebrated Across Odisha to Promote Reading and Odia Language

Bhubaneswar: The seventh day of the ongoing Odia Pakhya was celebrated as “Shishu Katha Divas” across Odisha, with a focus on nurturing reading habits among young students and promoting the Odia language.

Organised by the Odia Language Literature and Culture Department, the day witnessed distribution of educational books among primary school students across multiple districts. Copies of Barnabodha and Shishulekha were handed out to children, while the revered Bhagabata was presented to eminent personalities and senior citizens.

Officials said around 18,000 copies of Barnabodha and Shishulekha were distributed among students, along with 2,000 copies of the Bhagabata, highlighting the scale of the initiative.

A state-level programme was organised at PM Shri Sadashiv Government High School, where Nityananda Gond, School and Mass Education Minister, attended as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he described the initiative as an important step towards strengthening the foundation of Odia language learning and encouraging reading habits among students.

Similar celebrations were held in private schools and by various NGOs across the state, reflecting widespread participation. The initiative aims to familiarise students with Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and folklore through literature.