Petition for Renaming “Utkal Divas” as “Odisha Day” (Odisha Divas)
Date: 1st April
From:
Ammar Sahitya International
(A Literary, Cultural & Social Organization)
To:
The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha
Government of Odisha
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Through:
– Hon’ble Minister, Odia Language, Literature & Culture
– Hon’ble Minister, Home & General Administration
– Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha
Subject:
Representation requesting that 1st April be officially referred to and celebrated as “Odisha Day (Odisha Divas)” instead of only “Utkal Divas”, in the interest of inclusive cultural identity of all regions of Odisha
Respected Sir,
We, on behalf of Ammar Sahitya International, a literary and socio‑cultural organization working for the promotion of inclusive Odia identity, language, and heritage, most respectfully submit this representation on the auspicious occasion of 1st April, commemorated as Utkal Divas.
Historical Context
1st April 1936 marks the historic formation of the province of Odisha, based on linguistic unity, bringing together diverse regions such as Utkal, Kosala (Western Odisha), Kalinga, and Utkala‑influenced tracts into one administrative, cultural, and political entity. This was a landmark achievement in India’s linguistic reorganization movement.
While the term “Utkal Divas” has immense historical and emotional significance, it is also important to recognize that today’s Odisha is a composite state, enriched equally by Western Odisha (Kosal region) and other cultural sub‑regions.
Concern and Rationale
At present, celebrating 1st April predominantly as “Utkal Divas” unintentionally creates a perception gap among some sections of the people of Western Odisha (Kosala region), who feel that their distinct historical and cultural contribution is not fully reflected in the nomenclature.
This concern is not a rejection of Odia unity, but rather a request for greater inclusivity, so that every region feels equally represented and emotionally connected to this historic day.
Our Humble Submission
We respectfully propose that:
- 1st April be officially designated and celebrated as “Odisha Day (Odisha Divas)”,
- While honorably acknowledging Utkal’s historic role in the formation of the state,
- So that all regions—Utkal, Kosala, Kalinga, and others—participate with equal pride and belonging.
This inclusive naming would:
- Strengthen state unity and emotional integration
- Remove any sense of regional exclusion
- Reflect the constitutional and geographical identity of the state
- Align with the name of the state as recognized nationally and internationally
Our Appeal
Odisha has always been a land of unity in diversity, where multiple cultural streams have merged to build a proud Odia identity. We believe that adopting “Odisha Day” as the official nomenclature will further solidify this unity and ensure that no region feels symbolically left out of this celebration.
We sincerely hope that the Hon’ble Government will kindly consider this representation with empathy and foresight, in the larger interest of social harmony and cultural inclusiveness.
Yours faithfully,
President and Founder
Prasanta Kumar Meher
Aamar Sahitya International