New Delhi 16/12: Centre for Odia Studies will be established in Delhi University very soon. The main objective of the Centre for Odia Language Studies will be to conduct more research on the state’s cultural heritage and culture, Odia identity, folk language, tribal language and culture, Odia civilization, tradition and customs, history, and the contribution of great personalities of the state. For the first time, a Centre for Odia Language Studies is going to be established in any university in the National Capital Region of Delhi. In a press conference held on Tuesday, Delhi University Dean of Colleges Professor Dr. Balram Pani said that a proposal in this regard has been sent for approval by the University Grants Commission. After getting the approval of the UGC, enrollment in the Odia course will start from the upcoming academic year. Initially, 30 seats will be enrolled in the Odia MA category annually. Along with this, a PhD course will be started in Odia language and other subjects related to Odisha. A director will be appointed for the Odia center. One teacher will be appointed for every 15 students. One professor, one assistant professor and four assistant professors will be appointed. The total cost of establishing the study center is estimated at Rs. 39 crore, out of which Rs. 25 crore is included for the construction of the study building. Dr. Pani said that 10 PhD students and other expenses will be provided with Rs 2 crore per year, research grants of Rs 5 crore per year, forest grants of Rs 1 crore per year and national and international research visits of students and professors of the university will be provided with Rs 1 crore per year. Similarly, a library will be constructed at a cost of Rs 3 crore, said Dr. Pani. At the Odia Language Studies Center, 40 percent of the PhD students will do research on the Odia language and 60 percent of the students will do research on the contributions of great personalities of the state, etc. Even without being affiliated with various universities in Odisha, Odia language students of Delhi University can start research on any subject collectively. In the coming days, by introducing courses in Odia language in the national capital outside Odisha, the rich Odia language and literature will be promoted and disseminated, said Dr. Pani. On this occasion, Dr. Pari expressed his gratitude to the support of the Center for the establishment of the Odia Language Studies Center at the university. Dr. Vijayalakshmi Nanda, Chairman of Miri House College, Dr. Nityanand Agasti, Assistant Professor, Department of University Administration, and Dr. Basant Kumar Das, Assistant Professor, Daulatram College, were prominently present at the Samadwik Sammelan.
