Introduction

The internet is filled with stories that touch our hearts and spark conversations, ranging from the heartwarming to the heart-wrenching. One such story is that of a man in Odisha, India, who carried his wife’s body for 10 kilometers after a hospital allegedly refused to send an ambulance. This incident, coupled with recently viewed content highlighting a Japanese professor who became fluent in Odia within seven years, sparked a wave of introspection about our current state as Odia people. This article delves into the reasons that make Odia people sad, drawing from history, present conditions, and personal experiences.

Events that Make Us Sad

Carrying a Wife's Body

Earlier this year, a man from Odisha faced a heart-wrenching situation. His wife, Amang, a 42-year-old woman, succumbed to tuberculosis in a district hospital in Bhawanipatna, Orissa state. The hospital did not provide an ambulance, leaving the man to carry his wife’s 42-year-old body for 10 kilometers to return to their village. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the societal issues and healthcare challenges faced in India, particularly in rural areas.

Language and Identity

Another incident that made many Odia people sad was a video that surfaced on YouTube. A Japanese professor, who had spent seven years studying Odia, was able to converse fluently in the language. However, this revelation is juxtaposed with the poor command over their mother tongue among many Odia people, including those who have ruled Odisha for over a decade. This gap highlights a deep-seated sadness within the community and a call for action to strengthen cultural and linguistic heritage.

Limited Progress in Odisha

Odisha has a rich history, dating back to the glorious realms of Kalinga, Utkal, and Udra. However, the current situation is cause for reflection. The pride in the past often overshadows the need for progress in contemporary times. There is a cultural stagnation where people often quote their history without taking any actual steps to develop the present.

Current Realities

With a population of over 40 million, Odisha has a large number of people who are not actively involved in new start-ups or national politics. A significant portion of the population struggles with digital literacy and English proficiency, impacting their ability to communicate in Odia. The lack of pride in one's language and culture is a cause of deep sadness. Even when Odisha is recognized for its potential, it is often belittled by labels such as "poor" or "backward," which are unjust and damaging.

Personal Reflections

Individuals, too, are expressing their sadness. One such instance is that of Tripathy, who observed a significant decline in the fluency of Odia language among the younger generation. The increasing influence of English in everyday life has led to a loss of proficiency in Odia. This personal experience is a microcosm of the broader issue faced by Odia people.

Call to Action

The sadness that is felt by Odia people is a clarion call for action. Several steps need to be taken to address these concerns:

Encouraging and promoting the use of Odia language in all aspects of life, from schools to workplaces.

Supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses to foster economic growth and development.

Engaging in politics and public discourse to advocate for the rights and recognition of Odisha and its people.

Strengthening cultural and linguistic heritage programs in schools and communities.

Raising awareness about the importance of preserving cultural and linguistic diversity.

By taking these steps, we can ensure that Odisha continues to thrive and that its people are proud of their heritage and culture.