Bhubaneswar, 09 July (H.S.): The Odisha Virtual Academy (OVA) on Thursday inaugurated its two-day workshop, 'Parichaya', with a focus on preserving, promoting and digitally documenting Odisha's rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
Delivering the keynote address, eminent linguist and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Debi Prasanna Pattanayak underscored the need to take Odisha's culture to the global digital platform. He stressed the importance of creating authentic and credible digital content on the state's historical landmarks, eminent personalities, festivals, traditional cuisine and cultural heritage to enhance Odisha's global visibility.
Highlighting the close relationship between language and economic progress, Dr. Pattanayak remarked that language development and economic development go hand in hand. He also commended the Odisha Virtual Academy for its sustained efforts to preserve, promote and modernise the Odia language in the digital era.
The workshop, held at the CYSD Auditorium in Bhubaneswar, brought together delegates from across Odisha to deliberate on documenting the state's prominent tourist destinations, notable personalities, cultural traditions, festivals and indigenous food heritage.
Chairing the inaugural session, Dr. Pradeep Kumar Rout, Secretary of the Odisha Virtual Academy, highlighted the economic potential of promoting Odisha's unique cultural identity. He said that showcasing the state's heritage sites, institutions, traditional cuisine and handloom products would not only strengthen the local economy but also encourage greater participation of the younger generation in cultural preservation and economic development.
The programme featured four thematic technical sessions led by noted resource persons, including Dr. Ajay Kumar Mishra, Dr. Abhiram Biswal, Dr. Shantanu Kumar Rath, Manas Muduli and Ritu Patnaik, who shared their expertise on various aspects of Odisha's cultural and linguistic documentation.
The valedictory session was addressed by Jagadananda, Founder of CYSD, Sabyasachi Hota, General Manager of OCAC, and Dr. Manoranjan Pothal, Managing Director of Odisha Knowledge Corporation Limited (OKCL). Delegates participating in the workshop were felicitated with traditional Angavastra in recognition of their contributions.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
