Bhubaneswar: The state song of Odisha, “Bande Utkal Janani”, has become a part of school curriculum in government schools on the initiative of chief minister Naveen Patnaik.
Written by eminent poet Laxmikanta Mohapatra, “Bande Utkal Janani” has been prescribed for the students of Standard IX and X, according to a government release. Following the request of the chief minister, the song was accorded state song status.
On the request of the chief minister, Odias all over the world had recited the song on May 30 as a gratitude to “COVID Warriors” of Odisha. The study and recitation of “Bande Utkal Janani’ will instill a sense of belongingness to Odisha and patriotism in the hearts of young students, Naveen said.