-Satyakam Ray

I started blogging a few years ago. Initially, it was pure fun as a medium for self-expression, and that purpose remains intact. Although I am more focused on political satire, literature, and science, I now crave to write more about my state and its people. That’s why I started this series.

Odisha, as a state, is very misunderstood throughout India. The land of Jagannath, with its excellent scenic places, abundant natural resources, and humble, peace-loving people, is often considered a poor state. It’s regularly affected by floods and cyclones, and its lifestyle could be much more developed than others’. Some observations are accurate, while many are prejudiced and false. This blog series will provide insight into Odia culture, traditions, way of life, and general mindset. I will give a neutral perspective and strive to uncover the truth in this endeavor. So, let’s go!

When I started working for an IT company, I had to go to Bangalore to join. During the training session, we interacted with numerous fresh graduates from various engineering colleges across India. In the group sessions, we interacted in English most of the time with the South Indians, and I spoke informally in Hindi with others. The most profound cultural shock of my life occurred when I was asked basic questions about Odisha and its people, the Odias. I was asked where in North India I belonged and which part. When I answered that I was from Odisha and that it didn’t fall under northern India, I realized the extent of people’s ignorance. People branded me as a North Indian because I could speak reasonably good Hindi.

To this day, I have faced the same situation umpteen times, having to clear the confusion of many ignorant people. For those who struggled with geography in school, India is divided into four central regions: North, South, East, and West. Odisha and West Bengal are in eastern India, near the Bay of Bengal. Similarly, Gujarat is in western India, not in the north. Just because many people speak Hindi fluently doesn’t mean they are all from North India.

With a few exceptions, we are very proud of our mother tongue, Odia, and try to speak it whenever possible. We are comfortable with Hindi and English, depending on the quality of our education and exposure.

As shown on the map of India, Odisha (formerly Orissa) is in the eastern coastal region. It is bordered by West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh, and by the Bay of Bengal. It is far from the northern belt of India. People who are still confused about Odisha’s location should look closely at the Indian Map.

So, if you are an odia and the next time someone asks whether you are from the north or south, tell them you are from eastern India.