Rourkela, April 1: NIT Rourkela commemorated the Foundation Day of the State on April 1, 2025, with a grand celebration at B. B. Auditorium-NITR, starting at 5:00 pm. The event was organized by the Utkal Dibasa Celebration Committee, in collaboration with the Odia Sahitya Samaj (OSS) Student Club-NITR to honour the significance of Utkal Diwas.

The event commenced with a Pushpanjali to Lord Jagannath and a Shraddhanjali Arpan to the leaders who played a crucial role in the establishment of Odisha as a separate province in 1936. This was followed by the rendition of the state song, 'Bande Utkala Janani.'

Padmashri Prof. Damayanti Beshra, a renowned Santali author and Adivasi researcher, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and delivered a keynote speech on the topic, “Utkala: Past and Present.” Delivering an insightful speech, she highlighted the historical significance of Utkal, stating, "Since ancient times, Utkal has been known as the birthplace of three major civilizations of the world, primitive, Dravidian and Aryan.

Present-day Odisha was known in the past as Odra, Kalinga, Utkal, Kosala etc. The Shabar tribal people lived in Kalinga. They are the original inhabitants of India. The modern name of ancient Utkal and Kalinga is Odisha. Therefore, it would be right to call today's day Odisha Day instead of calling it Utkal Day."

Extending his greetings, Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director of NIT Rourkela, remarked, “It is a privilege to commemorate Utkal Diwas, marking the foundation of Odisha and its rich legacy of culture, resilience, and progress. This occasion reflects the state's enduring contributions to art, literature, and economic growth. Let us take inspiration from this legacy as we strive for excellence in our respective fields. Wishing you all a meaningful and enriching celebration.”

Joining the celebration were Prof. Niranjan Panda (Dean, Student Affairs), Prof. Rohan Dhiman (Registrar), and Prof. Rajeev Kumar Panda (President, Student Activity Centre), who extended their best wishes on the occasion.

Addressing the audience, Programme Coordinator Prof. R.K. Biswal stated, “Speaking in Odia, writing in Odia, eating Odia cuisine, wearing Odia attire, and, above all, spreading the magnificence of Jagannath culture to every corner of the world will truly help us embrace the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world as one family). By doing so, we can uphold Odisha’s identity. At an institutional level, the formation of a Mother Tongue Committee, similar to the Rajbhasha Committee, and the inclusion of contemporary words in Odia can generate interest in mother tongue-based education. This, in turn, will contribute to fulfilling the objectives of the National Education Policy.”

The third edition of "SAMPOORNA" magazine, published by the OSS Club, was also unveiled during the event. More than 500 attendees participated in the celebration, including students from various schools in Rourkela.

Over the past week, Utkala Dibasa 2025 was celebrated with a series of competitions, attracting the participation of over 300 students from schools and colleges across Odisha. Organized by OSS club in collaboration with Akriti and the Inquizzitive Club of NITR, the event featured engaging contests such as the Kalinga Quiz, Odia Creative Writing, Odia Spelling Bee, Drawing, and Odia Poetry Recitation. Winners were recognized and awarded during the event.