The governor of Odisha, Prof. Ganeshi Lal Hari Babu Kambhampati, praised the state government’s efforts in organizing ‘Odia Pakhya 2025’, a 14-day cultural celebration that highlighted the rich legacy, traditions, and unique identity of Odisha.
The event, which ran from Utkal Divas (April 1) to the Odia New Year (April 14), concluded with a grand ceremony where the Governor addressed the gathering.
A Visionary Initiative to Celebrate ‘Odia Asmita’
Calling the initiative “visionary and timely,” the Governor said that ‘Odia Pakhya’ plays a crucial role in reviving and promoting ‘Odia Asmita’, which stands for the pride, culture, and identity of the Odia people.
“This observance is not only timely but also deeply significant in nurturing and elevating the spirit of Odia Asmita,” he said.
Preserving the Classical Language and Literary Heritage
Highlighting the importance of Odia as a classical language, the Governor emphasized the need to protect and promote its rich literary tradition, which dates back centuries and reflects the depth of India’s civilizational heritage.
He noted that language is the soul of culture, and Odia, with its ancient texts and poetic expressions, must be handed down to future generations with care and pride.
Showcasing Odisha’s Diverse Treasures
The Governor applauded the two-week-long celebration for its holistic representation of Odisha’s diverse traditions, which included:
- Folk music and dance
- Ancient scriptures and rituals
- Traditional festivals
- Local crafts and textiles
- Authentic Odia cuisine
- Tributes to iconic Odia personalities
“Odia Pakhya has beautifully showcased these treasures… rekindling this spirit of belonging and cultural pride among the people,” he noted.
A Reminder of Collective Responsibility
Prof. Kambhampati said that Odia Pakhya is more than just a celebration—it’s a call to action. He urged citizens to actively participate in preserving Odisha’s values, traditions, and innovations.
He also emphasized that the cultural revival must go hand-in-hand with progress in education, inclusive development, and innovation.
Cultural Confidence as a Path to Development
Concluding his speech, the Governor stressed that a society rooted in cultural pride is more capable of leading in every field—from science and education to governance and global partnerships.
“A culturally confident society is better positioned to innovate, collaborate and lead,” he said.
He linked this cultural resurgence to the larger national mission of building a ‘Viksit Odisha’ (Developed Odisha) that contributes meaningfully to ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India)—an inclusive, progressive, and culturally strong nation.
