Odia language faces digital challenges despite initiatives like Swalekh Pad & Odia Virtual Academy, hindered by resource scarcity & limited support
Bhaskar Parichha
Despite the promising initiatives aimed at enhancing the online presence of the Odia language, significant challenges persist that hinder its growth and visibility in the digital realm. One of the most notable efforts is the development of Swalekh Pad, a user-friendly web-based tool that allows users to create and edit text in both Odia and Hindi without requiring any additional software installations.
This tool is particularly advantageous as it accommodates both Unicode and non-Unicode fonts, effectively addressing the technical barriers that many native language publishers and government officials encounter. By streamlining the text editing process, Swalekh Pad significantly enhances usability for individuals involved in the creation of Odia content, thereby encouraging greater participation and engagement in the digital landscape.
In addition to Swalekh Pad, the Odisha government has taken a proactive approach to promoting, preserving, and digitizing Odia language and literature through the establishment of the Odia Virtual Academy. This initiative is designed to elevate the visibility of the Odia language on both national and international platforms, ensuring that it reaches a wider audience.
Collaborations with prestigious institutions, such as the University of Chicago Library and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), play a crucial role in this mission. These partnerships have already led to the digitization of approximately 170 Odia literature books, making them more accessible to readers around the world. Odia Bibhaba, by Srujanika, is another private initiative to digitize Odia literature.
Furthermore, the inclusion of Odia in Microsoft Translator represents a significant milestone in the language’s digital journey. This integration enables translations across various platforms, including Microsoft Office, Bing Translator, and Azure Cognitive Services. Such advancements not only facilitate the dissemination of the Odia language but also provide essential tools for real-time communication and document translations, thereby expanding the reach and utility of Odia in the global digital ecosystem.
However, despite these advancements, the online presence of the Odia language remains limited in comparison to other regional languages in India. Experts have identified several critical challenges that continue to impede progress. These include a scarcity of resources dedicated to the development of Odia content, insufficient data to support language processing and technology development, and a lack of robust government support to sustain and expand these initiatives. While efforts such as Unicode implementation and the development of digital tools are steps in the right direction, they are not sufficient to overcome the systemic barriers that hinder the growth of the Odia language online.
To truly enhance the online presence of Odia, a multifaceted approach is necessary. This could involve increased investment in language technology, the creation of more educational resources, and the establishment of community-driven initiatives that encourage content creation in Odia.
(The author is a senior journalist and columnist. Views expressed are personal.)
