Bhubaneswar: Odisha Assembly witnessed a renewed push for linguistic recognition as Deputy Leader of Opposition Prasanna Acharya called on the state government to grant official status to Sambalpuri-Kosali and advocate for its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Raising the demand during the Zero Hour on Wednesday, Acharya highlighted that over 1.5 crore people speak the language across 11 districts of western Odisha and has a strong cultural and literary legacy.
A Language Rooted in Literature and Tradition
Emphasizing the rich literary heritage of Sambalpuri-Kosali, Acharya noted that the language has a vast collection of poems, short stories, and books, along with a dedicated dictionary and grammar book. He credited scholars like Satyanarayan Bohidar, who authored Koshali Bhasakosh, a comprehensive linguistic guide, and Padma Shri awardee Haldar Nag, whose poetry has brought the language to national attention.
Cultural Impact Beyond Odisha
Acharya pointed out that Kosali culture has already made a mark at the national level, citing iconic Sambalpuri songs like ‘Rangabati’ and ‘Chi Chi Re Nani’, which have gained widespread recognition. Additionally, Sambalpuri handloom sarees, known for their intricate craftsmanship, are highly sought after across India.
A Long-Standing Demand for Recognition
The demand for Sambalpuri-Kosali’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule has been raised multiple times in Parliament, Acharya reminded the Assembly. He also pointed out that former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had formally urged the Union Government to recognize the language on several occasions.
Urgency for Government Action
Acharya urged the Odisha government to immediately send a formal proposal to the Centre, warning that continued neglect of the linguistic aspirations of millions of Kosali speakers could lead to growing regional discontent.
With language being a deeply emotional and political issue, the question now is whether the Odisha government will take decisive action or allow this demand to remain unresolved.
