What is Odia Asmita? (ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଅସ୍ମିତା କଣ?)

“Asmita” means “proud”or”Identity”. Odia Asmita refers to the pride and self-respect associated with being an Odia.
It encompasses how individuals and communities perceive themselves, how they expect to be perceived by others, and how they project this self-image to the world outside. The concept reflects confidence and pride in Odia culture, language, and heritage.

Why was in news: 

     In recent political discourse, it had become a significant issue, with parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emphasizing it as a key plank in general elections in Odisha (2024). 

Allegations:   Both Politics and administration were controlled by officers not by political representatives

 Ranking up issues with apparent reference to the non-Odia origin of Mr. Pandian, who has emerged as the de facto chief of BJD in 2024 polls, BJP seems to be hitting the BJD where it hurts most.

After Election 2024: 

                     The Odisha Cabinet has approved the creation of a Rs. 200 crore Corpus Fund for Odia Asmita, with plans for future augmentation. his fund is earmarked for the creation of the Odisha Asmita Bhawan, an Odia translation academy, a premier palm leaf manuscript museum, the Paika rebellion memorial, and district-level e-libraries. The initiatives also encompass instituting Odia chairs in universities globally, subsidizing Odissi music and dance training, and forming a cultural troupe management system.

Previous government Initiatives to promote culture and pride: 

• Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha Scheme (2023): Recently approved by the Odisha Cabinet, this ₹4,000 crore scheme aims to promote rural development and spread “Lord Jagannath culture.” It builds on the earlier “Ama Gaon, Ama Bikash” initiative and focuses on preserving and protecting places of spiritual and historical importance in every panchayat.
• The Odia University, is established as a language university under the Odia University Act, 2017, passed by the Odisha Legislative Assembly. The university began its first academic session on 5 September 2023.
• Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana (MKSY): Provides financial assistance to older artists who work to preserve and enrich Odisha’s culture and arts 
• Museum of Man: A new tribal museum that will showcase Odisha’s tribal cultural heritage, and provide facilities for tribal artisans to sell their products 
• Integrated culture building: The government plans to build an integrated culture building in each district 
• Heritage sites: The government plans to develop heritage sites, including the Paika memorial in Barunei, where a Paika Academy will also be established 
• Odia language: The government has mandated Odia for all official work and plans to fill vacancies for Odia language teachers at high schools 
• Public libraries: The government plans to set up public libraries and improve the quality of library services 
• Traditional arts and handicrafts: The government plans to promote and develop traditional arts and handicrafts, and restore historical buildings and sites

National & International Sponsorship: 

• The Odisha government’s sponsorship of the Indian men’s and women’s national hockey teams since 2018 has helped to promote the state and the sport in the country. It promoted Odisha’s legacy.
• The Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science, awarded by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization). Established in 1951 as a result of a donation from Mr. Bijoyanand Patnaik, the founder and president of the Kalinga Foundation Trust in India, it is the oldest prize recognized by UNESCO. This prize is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the public in the areas of science, research, and technology communication and popularization during their distinguished careers as writers, editors, lecturers, radio, television, or web program directors, or film producers.