World Odia Language Conference (WOLC) 2024, currently unfolding at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar, has been granted a three-day extension, announced by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday.
The festivities commence on February 3 at Janata Maidan, with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurating the first-of-its-kind festival dedicated to the Odia language.
Originally slated to conclude on Monday, the Chief Minister’s decision to extend the event came with the declaration that the conference would become a quinquennial tradition.
The genesis of this linguistic celebration traces back to a Special Cabinet meeting in Puri in 2017. It found its culmination in the third Heritage Cabinet held on December 19, 2023, with the smart city of Bhubaneswar chosen as the venue for the World Odia Language Conference.
“This conference will remain a landmark. From here onwards, this festival will be held once every five years. The Assembly session is underway. I will announce our decision regarding the language in the Assembly. I am announcing that, keeping people’s demands in view, the conference has been extended for three more days,” said Naveen Patnaik.
Odia, classified as one of India’s six classical languages, holds the essence of the collective identity, pride, and spirit of Odisha Paribar’s 4.5 crore people.
The conference stands as a monumental gathering to not only honor the illustrious past of the Odia language but also to navigate its transformative present and envisage an aspirational linguistic future. This event is an ode to the rich culture and heritage of the state.
The World Odia Language Conference has attracted a diverse congregation, including linguists, litterateurs, poets, writers, and students from across the state. The spotlight during the conference remains on encouraging youth to embrace and use the Odia language more actively.
Beyond a conventional conference, this event offers a sensory feast featuring various attractions such as sand art, a book wall, Aasa Padhiba – Branded Bus Library, Virtual Reality, Language Atlas, Robots, and the AI Anchor – Janani.
For Odias residing outside the state and country, the conference is not limited by physical boundaries. It is seamlessly hosted in the digital space, providing an immersive experience through the metaverse. This virtual experience transports visitors directly to the event arena, allowing them to engage with the exhibition in the same manner as if they were physically present.
World Odia Language Conference 2024 stands as a testament to the commitment towards preserving and promoting the Odia language on a global stage.