Bhubaneswar: In a move that bridges administrative precision with a deep-seated reverence for Odia Asmita, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management, has initiated a significant process to reclaim the linguistic heritage of Odisha.
Since taking the helm of the Department of Revenue & Disaster Management, Dr. Padhee has consistently demonstrated a commitment to aligning governance with the cultural heartbeat of the state. His latest directive to District Magistrates emphasizes a transition from colonial-era distortions to the authentic Odia nomenclature that defines the regions identity.
The initiative targets official English names of districts, sub-divisions, blocks, and tehsils that have long existed as corrupted versions of their original forms. Dr. Padhee noted that many of these spellings were introduced during British rule simply because officials found the local phonetics difficult to master. A prime example highlighted in his communication is Ali tehsil, which continues to be officially documented as Aul. Such discrepancies, according to the ACS Dr.Padhee are not merely clerical errors but are subtle erosions of the states cultural and linguistic integrity.
ACS Dr. Padhee’s approach combines this cultural mission with strict administrative accountability. While thirteen districts have already submitted initial reports incorporating the feedback of MLAs, MPs, and the general public, he has now asked all District Magistrates to re-examine these documents. This rigorous review process ensures that new public suggestions are integrated and that the final proposals are historically and phonetically accurate.
The focus on Odia Asmita, or Odia pride, has become a hallmark of Dr. Padhee’s tenure. By insisting that the official record reflects the true names used by the people, he is ensuring that the state’s geography honors its history rather than its colonial past. The District Magistrates have been given a seven-day window to submit their refined reports.
Once compiled, this comprehensive list will be presented to the State Government, marking a transformative step in restoring the dignity of the Odia language within the corridors of power.