With a view to promote translation of literature for the growth of regional literature, Orissa is planning to set up Odia Chairs at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University and Benaras Hindu University.
This was disclosed by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik recently. He said an Odia Open University would also be set up soon in the State.
Translation of regional writings to other regional and mainstream languages can bridge the literary divide between mainstream writing and regional writing, he said.
“Through translation, writers can reach beyond the boundaries of their original language. The Hindi translation of Sarala Mahabharat is a step in the right direction. More such initiatives should be taken in future. Late 19th century and early 20th century writers like Radhanath Ray, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Sachi Routray, Mayadhar Mansingh raised the status of Odia literature to a new high,” said the Chief Minister.
