Sambalpur: Preparatory Meeting for State-Level ‘Sambalpuri Day’ Celebration, Various Ministers to Participate, Sambalpuri Nani Competition

Sambalpur: On August 1, ‘Sambalpuri Day’ will be celebrated across several districts, including Sambalpur. This year, the Western Unity Forum is making extensive preparations to hold the event at the Guru Satya Narayan Sambalpuri Park in Sambalpur. During a press conference held at the Mahanadi Club, the Western Unity Forum announced that on July 28, they will unveil a statue of Guru Satya Narayan Bohidar.

Involvement of Various Organizations

Organizers have invited a number of organizations and events to join in the Sambalpuri Day celebration this year. Eleven years ago, the Bharti Samaj decided to commemorate Guru Satya Narayan Bohidar’s birth centenary, which has since grown into a popular movement. The Western Unity Forum formed in 2013 to commemorate Bohidar’s centenary and organizes the celebration of Sambalpuri Day on August 1. This year marks the 11th anniversary of the event.

Honoring Guru Saty Narayan Bohidar

Guru Bohidar, a Sambalpuri scholar, poet, and artist, dedicated his life to promoting the Sambalpuri language and culture. Several ministers, including Satish Chandra Dubey, the Union Minister of State (Coal and Mines), the Union Steel Minister, Odisha’s Panchayati Raj Minister Ravi Narayan Naik, and Sambalpur MLA Jayanarayan Mishra, will attend the celebrations.

Sambalpuri Nana Program and Competitions

On July 28, the Tapaswini Hall will host the Sambalpuri Nana program, which will include a competition organized by the Tamanna Foundation with rangoli and painting contests. Additionally, a book about Guru Bohidar’s life will be released.

Grand Celebrations in Multiple Districts

Sambalpuri Day will also be celebrated grandly in districts such as Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Sonepur, Boudh, and Bargarh. Sambalpur’s Guru Satya Narayan Sambalpuri Park, near Jail Chowk, will host the 12th State-Level Sambalpuri Day event. The event will begin at 10 a.m. with Sambalpuri poetry readings, followed by cultural programs at 1 p.m. featuring cultural groups from both inside and outside the district.

Honoring Contributors to Sambalpuri Culture

This year, the Western Unity Forum will present the ‘Guru Shri Satya Narayan Sambalpuri National Award’ to Shivshankar Pujari of Bargarh for his contributions to Sambalpuri literature. During the Sambalpuri Day celebrations, the organizers will honor various individuals who have made significant contributions to Sambalpuri culture.

Key Figures and Supporters

Key figures, including Dr. Pramod Rath, Bhavanis Bhoi, Debashis Behera, Dr. Swayam Prakash Panda, Dasarath Meher, Rahul Gupta, Rahul Modak, Nishikant Biswal, Kishore Dharei, and Manas Boxi, attended the press conference, representing various roles such as coordinators for Sambalpuri Day, district, language and literature, and culture.