MoU signed for the establishment of Biju Patnaik Special Centre for Odia Studies at JNU

Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi have signed an MoU today for the establishment of the Biju Patnaik Special Centre for Odia Studies at JNU. With a generous contribution of the State Govt. of  a one-time non-recurring corpus money for the endowment amounting to Rs. 10 Crore, the proposed Biju Patnaik Special Centre aims to delve into the leadership, governance, and contributions of the visionary leader of India, the Bhoomiputra of Indonesia and the former Chief Minister of Odisha, Biju Patnaik. It plans to initiate a Master’s Program covering various facets of Odia Studies, strengthen cultural bonds with the Odisha Diaspora, and promote contemporary Odia Literature and Art.
The MoU has been signed in presence of Sri Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Hon’ble Minister Higher Education, Chief Secy Sri Pradeep Kumar Jena, Development Commissioner -cum-ACS Smt Anu Garg & Commissioner -cum -Secy OLLC Smt Sujata R. Karthikeyan.

On behalf of Govt of Odisha, Commissioner – Cum-Secy Higher Education Deptt Shri Arabind Agrawal & Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit from JNU, New Delhi signed the MoU.
The focus areas of this Special Centre include international teaching and research in Odia Language and Literature, exploring historical maritime linkages of Kalinga Empire with South east Asia, diasporic connections, and promoting contemporary Odia culture through publications and collaborative research.

Other senior officers of HE Deptt, Odisha & Prof Udaynath Sahu from Adikabi Sarala Das Chair, JNU were present on the occasion.