Odisha CM Honors Pioneer of Odia-Language Journalism

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi commemorated the birth anniversary of Gaurishankar Ray, the 19th-century journalist who founded *Utkal Dipika* in 1866, one of the earliest Odia-language newspapers. In his tribute, CM Majhi described Ray as a trailblazer whose work gave new direction to Odia language, literature, and national consciousness.

Ray's journalism played a crucial role in preserving and promoting the Odia language during colonial rule, when it faced administrative marginalization. His editorial efforts helped nurture a collective Odia linguistic identity, contributing to the movement that eventually led to the formation of a separate Odisha province in 1936 with Odia as its cultural foundation.

The tribute reflects ongoing recognition of vernacular press pioneers who shaped regional language movements during India's colonial period. With Odia's classical language status, such commemorations are expected to gain greater prominence in official cultural calendars, reinforcing the state's linguistic heritage and press history.