Identity, Pride, Legacy

The soul of Odia Asmita — anchored in language, history, literature, and faith — is being revitalised through festivals, diplomacy, and government action, shaping a vibrant new cultural narrative

- MANU DASH

The idea of Odia Asmita — Odia identity — has always been deeply embedded in the region's language, culture, and civilisational memory. Yet it rose anew as a potent political emblem in the run-up to the 2024 state and national elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tapped into this sentiment, elevating it to the forefront of its campaign.

Language has long been recognised as the spine of any civilised society. Odisha stands as a testament to this belief. The word Asmita, rooted in Sanskrit, carries multiple connotations: pride, self-respect, identity, and belonging. In the Odia context, it represents something collective — a shared consciousness that extends beyond ego, reflecting the spirit of an entire community.

Historical Echoes of Pride

The collective memory of Odisha is rich with stories from the ancient regions of Kalinga and Utkala — territories that have long shaped its identity. Remarkably, Rabindranath Tagore included Utkal in India's national anthem in 1911, well before Odisha was formally established as a state.

Kalinga’s prominence in trade, arts, and spirituality made it a coveted land, drawing many invasions. Mahapadma Nanda, the Magadhan king, once invaded Kalinga not for land or treasure, but to capture the idol of Kalinga Jina, a revered Jain symbol. In a bold act of spiritual and political reclamation, Kharavela, the Jain ruler, launched a counter-invasion and restored the idol to its rightful place.

Today, it remains enshrined in the Khandagiri caves, a silent guardian of that legacy.

Kharavela's story — marked by military might, religious tolerance, and architectural brilliance — embodies Odia Asmita. Centuries later, Gajapati Ramachandra Deba would echo this spirit, protecting the idol of Lord Jagannath from Mughal incursions and reaffirming Odisha’s cultural resilience.

Spiritual Identity of a People