THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
KALINGANAGAR,
AUGUST 28, 2026
Tata Steel Foundation
(TSF), in partnership with the Ho Ancient Culture and Science Welfare
Foundation, on Thursday observed the 107th birth anniversary of Pt. Guru Kol
Lako Bodra, a pioneer of Ho linguistic and cultural heritage, at Baliapal
Football Ground in Salijanga.
The programme was
organised with a focus on creating greater awareness about the preservation and
promotion of Warang Kshiti, the official script of the Ho language, as an
important means of safeguarding the tribal identity, culture and heritage of
the Ho community.
Around 600 community
members participated in the celebration, reaffirming their commitment to
preserving the rich linguistic traditions of the tribal community.
Floral tributes were
paid to Pt. Guru Kol Lako Bodra by distinguished guests, including renowned
social worker from Mayurbhanj Silai Purty, Tata Steel Kalinganagar Chief,
Corporate Services, Ravi Marik, Salijanga Sarpanch Bijay Laxmi Das and Head,
Kalinganagar Impact Cluster, Tata Steel Foundation, Debanjan Mukarjee, besides
other community leaders and dignitaries.
The gathering also
witnessed vibrant cultural performances by students of the Tribal Language
Class Centres, showcasing the richness of the community's linguistic and
cultural traditions.
On the occasion,
three exemplary language teachers and three outstanding students were
felicitated for their contribution and commitment towards promoting tribal
languages.
TSF currently operates 77 tribal language class centres across Kalinganagar, where more than 3,000 students are being educated in Ol Chiki and Warang Kshiti languages.
Through these initiatives, Tata Steel Foundation continues to strengthen its focus on cultural and linguistic empowerment of tribal communities in Odisha, while encouraging younger generations to remain connected with their language, identity and heritage.
