Language is more than just a tool for communication—it is the heartbeat of a culture, the soul of a civilization, and the identity of a people. And for the people of Odisha, their mother tongue, Odia, is more than just a language; it is a symbol of pride, resilience, and rich heritage. As Odisha prepares to become the first multilingual state of India in 89 years, it is imperative to reflect on the significance of our mother tongue and its role in shaping our past, present, and future.
The Pride of Every Odia: A Language That Defines Us
It is often said that a language is the key to a land’s soul. For Odisha, Odia has been the foundation upon which our cultural, literary, and social identity has been built. The very existence of a state carved out on the basis of language in 1936 was a testament to the deep-rooted love and respect Odias have for their linguistic heritage. Yet, as we inch closer to 2036—the centenary year of Odisha’s formation—we must ask ourselves: Are we doing enough to preserve and promote our language for future generations?
The Challenge of Modern Education: The Decline of Odia in Schools
One of the greatest challenges to Odia’s survival comes from the changing education landscape. The rapid expansion of English-medium schools in Odisha has led to a significant decline in the prominence of Odia as a medium of instruction. While it is undeniable that globalized education demands proficiency in English and other national and international languages, it is equally crucial that our youth remain rooted in their mother tongue.
The irony is that while Odia students are encouraged to master foreign languages, their proficiency in their own language is often neglected. Orthodox Odia-medium schools are now struggling to attract students, as parents believe English education provides better career opportunities. But should embracing globalization mean discarding our own linguistic identity? The answer is a resounding no.
Odia: A Language of Literary Elegance and Historical Significance
Odia is not just a spoken language—it is a language of poetry, literature, and history. Our scriptures and ancient texts are adorned with the beauty of Odia words, with a history dating back centuries. Several international scholars have marveled at the richness of the language. Sir George Grierson, John Beames, and Suneeti Kumar Chatterjee have all acknowledged the uniqueness of Odia’s linguistic structure.
Renowned poet Sarala Das, in his Odia rendition of the Mahabharata, mentions that Lord Krishna learned 64 scripts, one of which was Odia. Ancient Buddhist texts such as the ‘Lalita Vistara’ claim that Lord Buddha himself was proficient in multiple scripts, including Odia. Jain scriptures like ‘Sambaya Sutra,’ ‘Pragyapani Sutra,’ and ‘Nandi Sutra’ also mention Odia as one of the prominent languages of the region.
The Aesthetic Beauty of Odia Script: A Legacy Etched in Palm Leaves
Unlike many Indian scripts, Odia script is uniquely rounded in shape. This distinctive feature can be traced back to the practice of writing on palm leaves, where straight lines could cause the leaf to tear. Over centuries, this curved aesthetic has given the script a distinctive identity that remains visually appealing even today.
Linguists have often praised the Odia language’s grammatical structure, which balances complexity with logic. As S. O. Mali put it, “The Odia verbal system is at once simple and complete. It has a long array of tenses, but the whole is so logically arranged.” From its phonetics to its grammar, Odia stands apart as a language that is not only structurally rich but also musically rhythmic.
The Famous Odia Phrase That Says It All
There is a well-known Odia saying: Agna Suna Te Vendi! If we were to apply this in the context of our mother tongue, we might rephrase it as Sue Vendi Tat Suna!—because Odia is, indeed, 100% pure gold. And yet, it is ironic that while our language continues to be recognized and celebrated by linguists and scholars worldwide, its usage is declining among our own people.
The Road Ahead: How to Revive and Sustain Odia’s Legacy
With Odisha set to become India’s first multilingual state in 89 years, the challenge is not just to celebrate this milestone but also to ensure that Odia remains a thriving language. Here’s what needs to be done:
- Incorporate Odia into Modern Education – Schools should adopt a balanced approach where students are encouraged to master multiple languages without sidelining Odia.
- Digital Preservation and Promotion – With the rise of the internet, social media, and digital platforms, efforts must be made to create more Odia content online to keep the language relevant for younger generations.
- Encouraging Literary Contributions – More Odia authors, poets, and researchers should be encouraged to write and publish in the language to keep its literary essence alive.
- Government and Policy Support – Policies should be framed to promote Odia in official communications, ensuring that it continues to be used in governance, media, and public administration.
Conclusion: The Language That Defines Us
Odisha’s journey to becoming a multilingual state is a proud moment, but let us not forget the language that made this journey possible in the first place. Odia is not just a medium of communication—it is the essencOdisha is set to become India’s first multilingual state in 89 years. But as the prominence of English-medium education rises, is Odia losing its significance? Discover the history, beauty, and challenges of our mother tongue and why every Odia must work to preserve it.e of our identity, culture, and history. As we celebrate this milestone, every Odia must ask themselves: Are we doing enough to ensure that our language continues to thrive?
As musician and composer Nayak beautifully expressed in his song, “Odisha mo Odisha, how beautiful is my rise, how sweet is my language.” Let us ensure that the sweetness of our language is preserved for generations to come.