Bhubaneswar, Sep 28: In a landmark step, the Odisha Research Centre (ORC), Bhubaneswar, and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today.

The agreement marks the beginning of a collaborative research initiative focused on Odia language, literature, culture, and history.

Established in 2024, the Odisha Research Centre was founded with the objective of conducting in-depth studies on Odisha’s cultural legacy. With the signing of this MoU, ORC and TISS will jointly undertake research projects, academic exchanges, and knowledge-sharing programs to explore and document the diverse facets of Odia identity.

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The signing ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests, including Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Higher Education Suryabanshi Suraj, ORC Director Professor Chandi Prasad Nanda, ICSSR Member Secretary Professor Dhananjay Singh, TISS Vice Chancellor Professor Badri Narayan Tiwari, and IMMT Director Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, among others.

Speaking at the event, dignitaries emphasized the importance of academic collaboration in preserving regional languages and cultures. The partnership is expected to yield valuable insights and contribute significantly to the national discourse on linguistic diversity and cultural preservation.

This initiative reflects a growing recognition of Odisha’s intellectual and cultural contributions and aims to inspire future generations to engage with their heritage through rigorous scholarship.