BHU Organized Its First Conclave on Culture and Heritage of Odisha on April 1-2

For the first time, the Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Odia Chair at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) hosted a two-day conclave on the rich cultural heritage of Odisha. On April 1-2, 2025, the conclave was held to commemorate Odisha Foundation Day on the theme "Know Odia, Know Odisha: A Window to Odisha's Heritage.

A tweet from the official handle of the conclave on X had previously declared, "Celebrating Odisha Foundation Day! The Odia Chair at BHU is organizing a conclave, 'Know Odia, Know Odisha – A Window to Odisha Heritage,' on April 1-2, 2025. Distinguished voices of Odia literature, culture, music, cinema, and the arts will share their perspectives. Join us in celebrating the Odia essence."

The Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Odia Chair, instituted at BHU by the Government of Odisha, has been consecrated to facilitate teaching and research work in Odia language, literature, and cultural studies. The endeavor sought to provide academic contacts with institutions that specialize in Odia studies, familiarize non-Odia-speaking individuals with the language and its literary heritage, and encourage research work in the cultural heritage of Odisha.

The conclave included talks on Jagannath culture and provided an arena for intellectual and artistic interactions. Eminent scholar and cultural personalities like Monarma Biswal Mohapatra, Sangita Gosain, Surya Deo, and Gurukalyan Mohapatra presented thought-provoking sessions on different facets of Odisha's heritage. The festival also included enchanting Odissi and Sambalpuri dance performances, celebrating the state's rich artistic heritage.

With this conclave, BHU made a major stride towards projecting Odisha's cultural heritage on a national academic stage, engaging more with the state's historical and artistic heritage.