Celebrating nine decades of Odisha’s formation and its rich cultural legacy, News18 Odia hosted ‘Odia Asmita Sammilani 2026’, bringing together prominent political leaders, cultural icons, and thought leaders on one platform.

Gracing the occasion, Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, lauded the initiative and emphasised the media’s role in encouraging cultural consciousness as well as delivering news.

In his keynote address, the Chief Minister urged parents and guardians to promote the use of the Odia language at home actively. “Odia identity is not just a slogan; it should be a way of life,” he said, encouraging people to read Odia literature, newspapers, and engage with regional media to preserve linguistic pride while embracing modernity.

The event also featured a distinguished lineup of speakers and panelists, including Suryavanshi Suraj, Minister, Odia Language, Literature and Culture; Prithiviraj Harichandan, Minister, Law; Pratap Chandra Sarangi, MP, Balasore (BJP); Dr Arun Kumar Sahoo, MLA, Nayagada (BJD) and Prasad Harichandan, former president, Odisha PCC.

Cultural and creative voices who were present included the likes of Pandit Suryanarayan Rathasharma, Jagannath culture expert; Odia actors Akash Dashnayak, Dipanwit Dashmohapatra, and Prakruti Mishra; Subhranshu Panda, Odia writer; Prateek Patanaik, Odia researcher, and Banasmita Pati, Odia writer and influencer.

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the ‘Odia Asmita Award 2026’ to internationally acclaimed sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik.

The special programme will be telecast on April 14, April 18 and April 19, on News18 Odia.