Berhampur: Rajya Sabha member Sasmit Patra has urged chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi to grant official heritage status to Utkal Ashram, an institution of immense historical significance associated with the Odia linguistic movement here.Referring to a story published on the historical aspect of the Utkal Ashram in TOI’s Wednesday edition, the BJD MP on Thursday wrote to the chief minister, urging the importance of granting it heritage status by tagging the article for his reference.He urged restoration and conservation of the building through the departments concerned and heritage experts, preserving and digitising historical records, photographs and archival material related to the Odia movement associated with the institution, and exploring establishment of a museum or interpretation centre, dedicated to Odisha’s linguistic movement and its statehood journey.He also asked for providing appropriate financial and administrative support for the long-term upkeep and development of the premises. “Such a step would not only honour the memory of those who shaped Odisha’s identity, but also inspire the future generations to appreciate the rich historical and cultural legacy of our state,” he said.Established during a defining phase of the Odia movement, Patra said it served as an important centre for intellectual discussions, public mobilisation and social awakening that ultimately contributed to the formation of Odisha as India’s first linguistic state on April 1, 1936.The TOI on Wednesday published the news report on “Symbol of language movement, now a monument of neglect”, describing its historical aspects. The small building was opened by then governor of Madras province, Viscount Goschen, on Jan 22, 1925.
