Bhasha Andolan Members give ultimatum to Odisha Government

A newly formed revolutionary group, ‘Bhasha Andolan, Odisha’ held brainstorming at the ‘Subarta’ office in Bhubaneswar to discuss the modalities and future course of action to put pressure on Odisha Government to enforce penalties on violators that defy the Odisha Language Act, 1954 and use English in official work.

Senior Journalist and President of Bhasha Andolan, Odisha, Sri Subhash Chandra Pattanayak has called for strict enforcement of Odia language in Odisha Government work and expressed apprehension that unless the Assemgly amends the law, it’s implement will remain doubtful.

A meeting in this regard was held on 03rd April in the presence of Sri Subhash Chandra Pattanayk, Sri Pradyumna Satpathy, Sri Pabitra Maharatha (Convenor) and Sri Sagar Satapathy. An ultimatum was issued to Chief Secretary Sri Aditya Prasad Padhi in form of a letter on 8th April at the Secretariat.

If the government does not respond to their request, the Bhasha Andolan, Odisha has decided to hold a ‘black flag’ march from 13th April, which is the auspicious occasion of Odia New Year and Pana Sankranti. The members will offer roses to all sections of the society to launch an awakening on Odia language among the masses.

The silent ‘black flag’ march will start from the Odisha Assembly and conclude near the statue of Madhu Babu every day. The final meeting on 8th April was attended by Subhas Chandra Pattanayak, Pradyumna Satpathy, Tusarkanta Satpathy, Pabitra Maharatha, Sagar Satapathy, Kanhu Behera, Dr. Kulamani Nayak, Madhumita Samal and Dr, Nityananda Pattnaik.