Naveen lays foundation stone of Odia University at Satyabadi

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday laid the foundation stone of the proposed Odia University at Bakula Bana under Satyabadi block in Puri district, coinciding with the 141st birth anniversary of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das.

The Chief Minister first offered floral tributes to the Panchasakha-Gopabandhu Das, Krupasindhu Mishra, Harihar Das, Pandit Godavarish Mishra and Nilakantha Das.

He then went to Bakula Bana to lay the foundation stone of the Odia University.

The Panchasakha had set up Bakula Bana Vidyalaya, the first model open school in the state at Sakhigopal in 1909.

“Satyabadi is the ‘karma bhumi’ (workplace) of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das. Satyabadi is the soil of inspiration for Odia community. I salute this sacred soil,” said the Chief Minister.

“Gopabandhu was the epitome of sacrifice, struggle and service. He was the pride and glory of human society. His deep sense of nationalism is unparallel. Today is a significant day in the history of Odisha. We are all assembled here for a noble deed. Odisha is the first language-based State in our country. It’s a proud moment for me to lay the foundation stone for Odia University on the ‘karma bhumi’ of Utkalmani on his Jayanti,” he added.

Panchayati Raj Minister Pradeep Maharathy, Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty and Puri MP Pinaki Mishra were also present on the occasion.

The proposed Odia University would help promote and propagate proliferation of art, culture and classical Odia language across the country. It will offer Post Graduate courses in Odia language and literature.