Delhi University is poised to take a major step toward strengthening research and education in regional language and culture by discussing a proposal to establish a DU centre for Odia studies at its upcoming Executive Council (EC) meeting. The agenda, expected to be tabled this week, could shape the future of how Odia language, literature, tribal heritage and cultural history are studied at one of India’s premier universities.
The proposal, previously approved by DU’s Academic Council, outlines plans to establish an Odia studies centre at DU under the Faculty of Arts. It seeks to offer postgraduate degrees, doctoral research opportunities and undergraduate electives that focus on the rich traditions and evolution of Odia culture.
Why DU Centre for Odia Studies Is on the Agenda
In recent years, Delhi University has taken concrete steps to broaden its academic portfolio by integrating regional and classical languages into its research framework. The proposed Delhi University Odia studies centre aims to deepen scholarly engagement with Odisha’s linguistic heritage, folklore, literary traditions and tribal cultures — areas that have historically received limited institutional emphasis in mainstream higher education.
University officials point out that creating a dedicated space for Odia language and cultural studies aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages multidisciplinary learning and the preservation of India’s diverse linguistic and cultural traditions. If approved, this initiative could also enhance DU’s reputation as a hub for inclusive and diverse academic inquiry.
Apart from Odia studies, the EC meeting will include discussions on routine university governance issues such as budget allocations, service rule amendments for non-teaching staff, and development projects for various campuses.
What the Proposal Entails For the DU Centre for Odia Studies
The draft proposal under consideration includes significant financial and academic components. To bring the Odia studies centre at DU to life, the document sets aside:
- ₹25 crore for construction and infrastructure of the centre
- ₹3 crore to develop a specialised library and ICT facilities
- ₹11 crore for annual recurring expenses including faculty salaries, research grants and operational costs
The total budget estimate for the centre is around ₹39 crore, reflecting a long-term investment in language research and cultural studies at the university.
If the Executive Council approves the proposal, the Centre for Odia Studies will be governed by a body chaired by the Vice-Chancellor. A research committee will oversee academic activities, including curriculum decisions, faculty recruitment and doctoral evaluations.
The proposal also highlights plans for collaboration across multiple departments — not just in language and literature, but also anthropology, history, sociology, political science and social work — ensuring that the DU centre for Odia studies evolves as a multidisciplinary hub rather than a siloed language unit.
Academic Programmes: What Students Can Expect
While the final course list is pending approval from the EC and the DU Governing Body, university sources suggest that the Odia studies centre at DU could offer a range of academic programmes, including:
- MA in Odia Language and Literature
- PhD in Odia Studies with emphasis on tribal cultures, texts, and linguistic evolution
- Undergraduate electives in Odia language and culture available to students across faculties
The centre’s design is expected to follow modern pedagogical frameworks that encourage fieldwork, archival research, comparative literature studies and interdisciplinary approaches — all grounded in rich historical and cultural content. This would make it unique among research centres focused on regional languages at Indian universities.
Reactions from Academia and Cultural Circles
Scholars and language advocates have welcomed the proposal, saying it could fill a longstanding gap in formal study and research on Odisha’s culture and languages. Educators believe that a Delhi University Odia studies centre could become a national landmark for South Asian language studies, similar to established centres for Sanskrit, Persian, or Indic studies.
Supporters also note that such a centre could deepen understanding of tribal traditions and oral histories, which are often underrepresented in traditional curriculum offerings. For students from Odisha and throughout Eastern India, this could provide a new avenue to pursue advanced study without relocating to traditional language hubs.
However, some commentators have urged DU to ensure that the centre receives sustained support, not just through initial funding but also in terms of faculty appointments, publishing initiatives, research fellowships and international collaborations.
How DU Centre for Odia Studies Fits into DU’s Broader Academic Vision
The proposal for a DU centre for Odia studies complements other language and culture initiatives at the university. For instance, recent academic discussions have focused on new programmes in regional language journalism and other humanities subjects, reflecting DU’s commitment to broadening its academic spectrum.
By establishing a dedicated research centre, DU would not only strengthen its engagement with India’s linguistic variety but also support enhanced student mobility and deeper cultural scholarship. Advocates point out that in an increasingly globalised academic environment, such initiatives can attract interests from researchers worldwide, further enhancing DU’s global profile.
Next Steps in the DU Centre for Odia Studies
The next step for the proposal is the Executive Council (EC) meeting, where members will review the detailed plan and budget, debate its merits, and decide on formal approval. If the EC gives the green light, the Centre for Odia Studies could begin operations as soon as the 2026-27 academic year, subject to administrative and faculty appointments.
University officials have stressed that the proposal has already passed multiple preliminary stages, including endorsement by the Academic Council, and that this final institutional review is a routine part of DU’s governance system.
Conclusion
The potential launch of the DU centre for Odia studies represents an important evolution in Delhi University’s academic offerings. By championing regional language research and cultural studies, DU is reinforcing its role as not just a scientific and professional education leader but also a guardian of India’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
Whether it opens as a niche language research unit or evolves into a broader interdisciplinary institute, the Odia studies centre at DU could become a significant platform for scholars and students alike — strengthening both academic depth and cultural understanding across the country.
