Bhubaneswar, July 12: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday made a compelling case for leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to amplify the reach and relevance of Odia language and literature.

Speaking at the birth centenary celebration of legendary Odia poet Bidyutprabha Devi at Rama Devi Women’s University here, Pradhan emphasized that AI tools like ChatGPT can help younger generations explore Odia heritage and culture.

Referencing everyday cultural queries—like the origin of Odia “pakhala,” “khandua pata,” or the identity of folk character Rangabati—Pradhan stressed AI’s potential in cultural awareness.

The Union Minister urged citizens to ask culturally rooted questions through AI platforms to deepen their understanding of Odisha’s rich legacy. He also called on the Odisha Sahitya Akademi to initiate grassroots programmes that spotlight the contributions of 20th and 21st-century Odia women writers.

ଭୁବନେଶ୍ୱର ଠାରେ ଓଡ଼ିଶା ସରକାରଙ୍କ ଓଡ଼ିଆ ବିଭାଗ, ରମାଦେବୀ ମହିଳା ବିଶ୍ୱବିଦ୍ୟାଳୟର ମିଳିତ ସହଯୋଗରେ ଓଡ଼ିଶା ସାହିତ୍ୟ ଏକାଡେମୀ ପକ୍ଷରୁ ଆୟୋଜିତ “ସାରସ୍ୱତ ସାଧିକା ବିଦ୍ୟୁତପ୍ରଭା ଦେବୀଙ୍କ ଜନ୍ମଶତବାର୍ଷିକୀ” ସମାରୋହରେ ଯୋଗଦେବା ମୋର ସୌଭାଗ୍ୟ । ଜୀବନର ଖୁବ୍ କମ ସମୟରେ ବାଲ୍ୟାବସ୍ଥାରୁ ସାହିତ୍ୟ ପ୍ରତି ତାଙ୍କର ସାଧନା ଓ ସମର୍ପଣ… pic.twitter.com/ajWChhE1nb
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 12, 2025

The birth centenary celebration of Bidyutprabha Devi was a heartfelt tribute to her enduring legacy in Odia literature. Union Minister Pradhan led the homage, describing her as a beacon of feminist expression and a rare literary voice who defied societal constraints to pen timeless poetry

The Minister also highlighted the glorious literary legacy of Bidyutprabha Devi, urging new generations to embrace the inspirational contributions of Odia women writers.

Despite being a homemaker in a conservative era, Bidyutprabha Devi authored numerous enduring poems, carving her space among Odia literature’s rare female voices. Speaking at the event, Pradhan noted, “Her devotion to literature from a young age and her fearless poetic expression inspired generations.”

The ceremony, jointly organized by the Odia Language Department of Odisha Government and Rama Devi University, spotlighted Devi’s pioneering feminist poetry. Her influence was likened to literary stalwarts such as Utkal Bharati Kuntala Kumari Sabat and Sarala Devi—women who stirred revolutionary thought through their pens.

Recognizing the role of women power in societal leadership, the Minister advocated that literature festivals involve young women and spotlight their creative outputs. He also praised students at BK College of Arts and Crafts for showcasing exquisite artistry and craftsmanship on the occasion.

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