Orissa Was Renamed to Odisha:

Names hold historical, cultural, and linguistic significance. They represent identity, heritage, and the essence of a place. The Indian state now known as Odisha was once officially called “Orissa,” but in 2011, this name was changed. The transition from Orissa to Odisha was more than just a linguistic shift—it was a step toward restoring authenticity and respecting the native Odia language.

The Need for Change

For centuries, the region has been home to the Odia-speaking people. However, the British colonial administration, during their rule, anglicized many Indian names to make them more suitable for English pronunciation. This led to distortions in the names of various places, including Odisha, which was recorded as “Orissa.” Similarly, the language spoken by the people, Odia, was spelled as “Oriya.”

While these names persisted in official records even after India’s independence in 1947, they did not accurately reflect the true linguistic and cultural identity of the state and its people. Over time, many voices emerged, advocating for the correction of these names to align with the original Odia pronunciation.

Legislative Approval and Constitutional Amendment

The demand for renaming the state gained momentum, and the Odisha government took up the matter with the central government. After thorough discussions and unanimous political support, the Indian Parliament passed the Orissa (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2010 and the Constitution (113th Amendment) Bill, 2010. These bills were crucial in legally changing the state’s name from Orissa to Odisha and the language’s name from Oriya to Odia.

On November 9, 2010, both houses of Parliament approved the change, and it officially came into effect on March 24, 2011, after receiving the President’s assent. This marked a significant moment in Odisha’s history.

Cultural and Linguistic Significance

The name change was not just about spelling—it was about restoring the state’s linguistic and cultural heritage. “Odisha” is the correct pronunciation in the Odia language, making it a more accurate representation of the state’s identity. Similarly, renaming “Oriya” to “Odia” ensured that the language’s name aligned with native phonetics.

This change strengthened the pride of Odia-speaking people and reaffirmed the state’s distinct cultural heritage, which includes the famous Jagannath culture, the ancient Kalinga empire, and a rich tradition of art, dance, and literature.

Conclusion

The renaming of Orissa to Odisha was a significant step toward honoring the state’s linguistic and cultural authenticity. It reflected India’s broader effort to embrace its indigenous identities and rectify colonial-era distortions. Today, Odisha stands as a proud state with a name that truly represents its people, history, and heritage.

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