Bhubaneswar: The first ever World Odia Language Conference is going to be held for three days from February 3 at Janata Maidan to discuss the various aspects of the Odia language, which has gained the status of one of the classical languages in the country.
Historians, linguists, researchers, intellectuals and individuals, who have gained expertise in various fields, will participate in this conference and share their insights about the glorious past and future relevance of the Odia language.
In order to this event more memorable, there is a programme of felicitations to award winners and eminent persons who have made contributions in the fields of language, literature, art and culture.
As many as 58 Padma Award winters, including eminent historian Padma Shri Hermann Kulke will be felicitated. Similarly, distinguished persons who have received the Jnanpith award and also persons distinguished for life-long sadhana will also be awarded.
The winners of the Kendriya Sahitya Akademi, Saraswati Samman, Moorti Devi award will also be felicitated.
Besides, the winners of Jayadev Award, Dharmapada, Atibadi Jagannath Das Samman, Kabi Samrat Upendra Chandra Bhanja Samman and Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Bhasa Samman will also be felicitated on the occasion.
A wide range of programmes are being organized to promote the language and create interest in the language, according to an official release.