Asmitā by Bhaskar Parichha critically examines Odisha’s identity, development, politics, culture, and governance, offering a thought-provoking vision for inclusive growth
Tejeswar Patnaik
Book Title: Asmitā
Author: Bhaskar Parichha
Reviewer: Tejeswar Patnaik
Publisher: Dhauli Books
Asmitā, authored by senior journalist and noted writer of Odisha, Bhaskar Parichha, is a comprehensive assessment of Odisha’s identity, development trajectory, and socio-political evolution. Spread across 30 well-structured chapters, the book addresses a wide range of themes—poverty, industrialization, natural resources, agriculture, administration, politics, art, literature, tourism, sports, and economic growth—offering a holistic view of the state’s strengths and shortcomings.
At the heart of Asmitā lies the author’s central concern: development divorced from social justice, cultural rootedness, and ethical governance risks eroding Odisha’s true identity. The author consistently argues that Odisha’s rich natural wealth, along with its rich cultural heritage, has not been adequately leveraged to improve the quality of life of its people.
His chapters on natural resources and industrialization present a critical assessment of the development model. While acknowledging the role of industry in economic growth, he questions policies that prioritize corporate interests over environmental sustainability and the rights of local and tribal communities. According to the author, mineral wealth should translate into human development, not displacement and ecological degradation.
The narrative on poverty, agriculture, and administration is equally analytical. Parichha identifies structural problems such as weak implementation of welfare schemes, bureaucratic inertia, and lack of decentralized decision-making. He stresses that agriculture, which sustains a large section of Odisha’s population, requires long-term policy support, investment in irrigation, and better market access rather than short-term relief measures.
One of the book’s most compelling sections deals with Odisha’s formation as a separate linguistic state and the evolution of Odia literature. The author treats language and literature not merely as cultural expressions but as foundations of political assertion and self-respect. He argues that our cultural pride strengthens social cohesion and democratic participation. Hence, language cannot be neglected.
His analysis of politics, the role of Chief Ministers during their tenures, and the emergence of a regional party, Biju Janata Dal, offers a balanced perspective. He credits regional political forces with providing stability and safeguarding Odisha’s interests within India’s federal structure. At the same time, he cautions against excessive centralization of power and urges greater transparency, internal democracy, and public accountability.
In evaluating Odisha’s economic growth and social indicators, the author presents a mixed picture. While acknowledging improvements in infrastructure, investment, and fiscal stability, he highlights persistent gaps in health, education, nutrition, and employment generation. Development, he insists, must be measured not merely by GDP figures but by human well-being.
The concluding chapters articulate a forward-looking “Vikshit Odisha” vision, emphasizing inclusive growth, ethical governance, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, tourism promotion, and sports development.
Written in a clear and lucid yet analytical style, the book Asmitā is a must-read for all. Overall, Asmitā is not just a book of commentary but a serious intellectual reading that provokes policymakers, scholars, and citizens to suggest innovative ideas on Odisha’s development.
(The Reviewer is a Columnist and Former Banker. Views Expressed are Personal.)
Excellentwork on a much needed topic,critical analysis is superb. Econmy of Odishais explained vividly to illustrate,what I wrote in 1996,i.e.,Odisha is rich,but Odias are poor.Certain points needed elaboration,like,how ‘ High, Command ‘ plated no constructive but a fragm as entary role in politics,economy,culture etc.& how health-issues like alternative medicine of tribals,as well as educational degradation due to govt.al indifference— how these have corroded our Asmita,of late.Over all a classic work on a significantly contemporary subject that warrants introspection for every sensible Odia.