Odisha may accord state song status to 'Bande Utkala Janani'

The Odisha government on Saturday said it would take a call on according the state song status to 'Bande Utkala Janani' after studying the policies of neighbouring states.

"Bande Utkala Janani song is adored by every Odia. It is played in the Assembly and in public meetings. The government will take a decision to accord state song status to it after studying the policy and the status of state song given by other states," said Culture and Tourism Minister Ashok Chandra Panda.

The demand has also come from various cultural organisations and opposition parties in the state, including Former Speaker Sarat Kar, senior Congress leader Suresh Routray, and Former MP Baijayant Panda

On Friday several protesters under the banner of 'Ame Odia' organisation had staged a demonstration seeking the state song status to 'Bande Utkala Janani' which is written by Kantakabi Laxmikanta Mohapatra.

--IANS

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