Bhubaneswar : The Odisha government today decided to set up the proposed Odia University at “Bakula Bana” (bakul forest) in Sakhigopal of Puri district.
A decision in this regard was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the state Secretariat here on Monday.
The chief minister has directed Puri Collector to expedite necessary procedures for the establishment of Odia University.
In the meeting, it was decided that not a single tree will be felled for construction of the varsity. A single-storey building will be constructed with sandstones in which the Odia varsity will start its operation.
The varsity would be constructed keeping in view the historical and environmental significance of the forest.
According to reports, an officer on special duty (OSD) will be appointed very soon and the temporary office of the varsity be set up at Satyabadi Pantha Niwas.
Earlier, the state government has proposed a budget of Rs 10 crore to be spent for establishment of the varsity. Besides, 25-acres of land have also been earmarked for its premises.
The proposed varsity would offer post graduate courses in Odia language and literature. It would also facilitate research activities on literary criticism, evolution of East Indian language scripts, historical scripts, archaeology and translation into and from Odia.
Notably, five iconic leaders of Odisha— Pandit Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, Pandit Krupasindhu Mishra, Acharya Harihar Das, Pandit Godavarish Mishra and Pandit Nilakantha Das— had founded the unique education system at the Bakul Bana with students being taught in natural environment.
It was incidentally the brainchild of Utkalmani who founded it with four of his contemporary leaders’ helping hands. During the pre-independence period, the school infused patriotism among students and taught them the value of service to mankind.
Higher Education minister Ananta Das, Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi, Development Commissioner, Law secretary, Higher Education secretary, Puri Collector and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.
Prasanta Patnaik