Bhubaneswar: Noted journalist and Ramon Magsaysay Award winner P. Sainath on Sunday urged the people of Odisha to work towards protecting and promoting the Odia language while speaking at a programme marking the 42nd anniversary of Odia daily ‘Sambad’ and the 17th anniversary of ‘Kanak News’.

Sainath said people should understand the importance of the Odia language and take pride in their linguistic and cultural identity.

Sainath, who is also the founder of the People’s Archive of Rural India (PARI), urged universities in Odisha to establish departments dedicated to endangered languages that are gradually being pushed into oblivion in the name of development.

Highlighting the skills of Odisha’s artisans and weavers, Sainath said, “I wish Odisha would have honoured their artisans from the State.”

He also spoke about Odia weavers and artisans working in textile mills in Gujarat and stressed the importance of recognising their contribution.

“Odisha’s artistic skill is somewhat the most beautiful in the world,” he said.

He also highlighted the contribution of freedom fighters from Odisha to India’s freedom movement. In his book ‘The Last Heroes: Foot Soldiers of Indian Freedom’, Sainath has written about the contribution of freedom fighters from Odisha.

Sainath also spoke about the courage and valour of Laxmi Panda, one of the women associated with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA). Panda joined the INA at the age of 13.

Speaking about the significance of migration from Odisha, Sainath said migrants from the State play a significant role in keeping the country’s economy moving.

Sainath congratulated ‘Sambad’ on completing 42 years and described it as a significant achievement.

Former Chief Justice of India Justice Gopal Ballav Pattanaik inaugurated the anniversary ceremony.

The annual celebration brought together prominent personalities to mark the milestones of the two media organisations.