JNU, Odisha govt signs MoU for establishment of Biju Patnaik Special Centre for Odia studies

The signing ceremony took place on Sunday, as per the official announcement.

The proposed center, backed by a significant one-time non-recurring corpus fund of Rs. 10 crore from the state government, aims to focus on the leadership, governance, and contributions of Biju Patnaik, the visionary leader and former Chief Minister of Odisha, as well as the Bhoomiputra of Indonesia.

The key objectives of the Biju Patnaik Special Centre include launching a Master’s Program that covers various aspects of Odia Studies, fostering stronger cultural ties with the Odisha Diaspora, and promoting contemporary Odia literature and art.

The signing of the MoU was witnessed by notable figures such as Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Minister of Higher Education, Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, Development Commissioner-cum-ACS Smt Anu Garg, and Commissioner-cum-Secretary OLLC Sujata R. Karthikeyan.

Representing the Government of Odisha, Commissioner-Secretary of the Higher Education Department, Arabind Agrawal, and Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit from JNU, New Delhi, formally signed the MoU.