There has been much brainstorming over the years regarding a “World Odia Conference,” yet an international-scale event has not materialized. Recently, a “World Odia Language Conference” was held in Bhubaneswar. Although some critics felt the dignity of the event was slightly marred by mispronunciations of Kanta Kabi, there were indeed valuable discussions regarding Odia language and literature. Now, it is time to envision a grand, comprehensive World Odia Conference.
Non-resident Indians (NRIs) are found in almost every country, and among them, the number of Odias is significant. Years ago, Amitav Ghosh, who has studied the diaspora extensively, noted this in an issue of Sambad. The world is well aware of the ancient Odia seafaring merchants (Sadhaba) who traveled from Ceylon (Sri Lanka) to Bali, Borneo, and Malaya, as well as the empire of the Sailendra dynasty. Even during the British era, Odias moved abroad alongside Biharis, Bengalis, and South Indians in search of livelihood. Countries like Mauritius, Fiji, Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Trinidad, and Tobago are home to many Odias. Despite living there for generations, they have not forgotten their “Odiatwa” (Odia-ness). The reflection of Odisha is still clearly visible in their cultural way of life.
Outside Odisha, Odias have long earned prestige. Researchers believe Sri Chaitanya himself was of Utkala (Odia) Brahmin descent. Many luminaries have Odia roots: Dwarakanath Vidyabhusan (editor of the famous Somaprakash from Bhadrak), Bireswar Rai Bahadur (Inspector of Schools in Chotanagpur), Mrutunjay Vidyalankar (a pioneer of Bengali prose), Gadadhar Vidyabagish (Bengali grammarian), Gopal Das (playwright), the revered Purnananda Tirtha Paramahansa of Vrindavan, Upendra Maharatha (the renowned artist from Bihar), and Haribandhu Bhadanta (a Buddhist monk from Burma). Even Kishori Mohan Tripathi, a freedom fighter and member of the Constituent Assembly from Central Madhya Pradesh, was of Odia origin. Whether for education, success, or fame, the migration of Odias is an ancient and storied tradition.
This tradition has not only continued but has grown stronger over time. Odias have conquered the world as administrators, doctors, scientists, artists, and actors. Odia officers hold prestigious positions across almost every state in India. Professors like Shyamatantra Tripathi, Prana Krushna Parija, Tribikram Pati, Trilochan Pradhan, and Jitendra Nath Mohanty once earned global fame. Within the country, figures like Ajit Mohanty (scientist), Vedang Das Mohanty, Trilochan Mohapatra (agricultural scientist), Mrutyunjay Mohapatra (Meteorologist/Cyclone Man), Dr. Ramakanta Panda, Dr. Mukut Mishra, Sona Mohapatra (artist), and actress Nandita Das are celebrated for their originality.
Similarly, abroad, people like Jogesh Pati (scientist), Prashant Patnaik (economist), Bibhu Mohapatra (fashion designer), Dr. Sitalakantha Dash, Amitabh Acharya (political scientist), and Satyapatnaik (Head of Blue Jungle Publishing) have made their mark. Prafulla Mohanty in London and the eternal artist Pradyumna Mahanandia in Sweden are notable names. Even when displaced within India, they have never detached from their Odia identity.
There is hardly any “white-tower” city in the world where the Odia language is not heard. Our IT professionals are scattered in every corner of the globe. Wherever they are, they have formed organizations, built Jagannath temples, and promoted Odia language, literature, music, dance, and drama. Their love for Odisha has not thinned despite being away. But where is the established institution to bind all the world’s Odias together? There is none. Without a strong organization and the support of the Odisha Government, maintaining a global link is impossible. For this, a dedicated organization must work in coordination with a “Diaspora Secretariat.”
World conferences for Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Bengali speakers are held regularly across the globe. They have active organizations that ensure smooth execution. While Odia associations exist in almost every country, there is no “Federation” or “Grand Union” of these associations. Consequently, the path to a World Odia Conference remains difficult. However, under the guidance of the Odisha Government, it would be easy to organize the diaspora. It is imperative that at least one or two World Odia Conferences be held before the centenary of the modern State of Odisha (2036).
Due to excessive and indiscriminate use, the word “Asmita” (Identity/Pride) is losing its luster. This concept is being analyzed in various, sometimes controversial, ways. But Asmita is not just about individual ego. If you define it within yourself, that’s fine; but in simple terms, searching for one’s roots is Asmita. The roots of the Odia race are deep and profound. Let us join together to find them. Let the World Odia Conference be the medium for that search.
Bijay Nayak
The author is a retired IAS officer (Odisha Cadre, 2007), serves as the Additional Press Secretary to the President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu. He can be contacted on his mobile no. +91.9437143896.
This article was previously published in Odia language in the Sambad on 31 March 2026. Here is the English translation for national readers and non-resident Odias. (The views expressed are the author’s own)
