Employment Opportunities Linked to Odia Language Revival

Employment and the Future of Odia Language

BHUBANESWAR: Employment is essential for the Odia language to thrive in a modern context. Until Odia as a language generates job opportunities like English and a comprehensive range of academic books become available in Odia, it risks losing relevance among the younger generation. This warning was echoed by speakers at the session titled 'Bhasha Nahin Ta Asmita Nahin' during the Odisha Literary Festival.

The Impact of Globalization

Vice-chancellor of Odia University, Sabita Pradhan, highlighted the challenges posed by globalization and urbanization on Odia identity. The dwindling use of Odia threatens linguistic diversity and undermines the pride associated with Odia culture. 'The legacy of a language can grow only if people are proud of it,' she stated, stressing the need to foster fondness for the Odia language among youth.

Challenges in Education

• Current teachers of Odia are often educated solely in Odia without adequate training.
• There is a pressing need for government initiatives to open BEd courses specializing in Odia.

Preserving Identity Through Language

Basanta Kumar Panda, project director at the Centre of Excellence for classical Odia studies, emphasized that Odia's classical status is a cornerstone of its identity. However, he noted a disturbing trend among youth gravitating toward English, which he warned could lead to the loss of unique Odia narratives.

Odia faces a precarious future if the younger population continues to prioritize English for perceived global relevance. 'Our efforts must focus on achieving dreams through education in Odia for significant impact,' he concluded.