Odia people, also known as Odias, are an ethnic group native to the state of Odisha in eastern India. They have a rich cultural heritage and have produced many famous personalities across different fields. Here is a list of the top 10 famous people from the Odia ethnic:
- 1. Biju Patnaik: Biju Patnaik was an Indian politician and freedom fighter from Odisha. He served as the Chief Minister of Odisha for two terms and played a crucial role in the formation of an independent Indonesia.
- 2. Sarala Das: Sarala Das was a 15th-century Odia poet and scholar. He is best known for his epic poem “Mahabharata,” written in the Odia language. It is considered the first major literary work in Odia.
- 3. Raghuram Rajan: Raghuram Rajan is an economist and the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. Born in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Rajan is of Odia descent and has made significant contributions to the field of economics.
- 4. Sudarsan Pattnaik: Sudarsan Pattnaik is an internationally acclaimed sand artist from Odisha. He has won numerous awards for his skillful sand sculptures, which often convey social messages and raise awareness about environmental issues.
- 5. Nandita Das: Nandita Das is a renowned Indian actress and filmmaker. Born to an Odia family, she has acted in several critically acclaimed films and is known for her strong performances that tackle social issues.
- 6. Pratibha Ray: Pratibha Ray is a well-known Odia writer and winner of the Jnanpith Award, the highest literary honor in India. She has authored several novels and short stories, often exploring themes of feminism and social justice.
- 7. Sam Pitroda: Sam Pitroda is an inventor, entrepreneur, and policymaker. Born in Odisha, he is known for his contributions to the development of telecommunication and information technology in India.
- 8. Sabyasachi Mishra: Sabyasachi Mishra is a popular Odia actor and playback singer. He has starred in numerous Odia films and has won several awards for his performances.
- 9. Dhaneswar Rath Institute of Engineering and Management Studies: DRIEMS is a renowned educational institute in the state of Odisha. It has produced numerous successful engineers and entrepreneurs.
- 10. Pramila Bisoi: Pramila Bisoi is an Odia social activist and politician. She is known for her fight against alcoholism and efforts in empowering women in rural Odisha.
Most Famous Odia Celebrities
Oriya culture has produced several eminent personalities in the world of entertainment, sports, literature, and politics. Here are some famous celebrities who have their roots in Odia heritage:
- Nandita Das: Nandita Das is a renowned Indian actress and filmmaker who hails from Odisha. Known for her roles in critically acclaimed films like “Fire,” “Earth,” and “Bawandar,” Nandita Das has made significant contributions to Indian cinema and is also associated with various social causes.
- Nutan: Nutan, whose real name was Nutan Samarth Bahl, was a legendary Indian actress who was born to a Marathi father and Odia mother. She has acted in more than 70 Hindi films and is considered one of the finest actresses in the history of Indian cinema. Nutan has been the recipient of numerous awards, including six Filmfare Awards.
- Priyanka Chopra: Priyanka Chopra is a globally recognized actress, singer, and former Miss World who has roots in Odisha. With her versatile performances in Bollywood films like “Fashion,” “Barfi!,” and “Mary Kom,” Priyanka has achieved international fame and success. She has also starred in the American TV series “Quantico” and is known for her philanthropic work.
- Soumya Ranjan Patnaik: Soumya Ranjan Patnaik is a prominent Indian politician and media entrepreneur who was born in Odisha. He founded the Odia newspapers “Sambad” and “Eastern Media.” Soumya Ranjan Patnaik has also served as a Member of Parliament and has been actively involved in various social and cultural activities.
- Anubhav Mohanty: Anubhav Mohanty is a popular Odia film actor, producer, and politician. He has acted in numerous successful Odia movies and has a massive fan following in the state. Anubhav Mohanty has also been elected as a Member of Parliament from the Kendrapara constituency.
Explore the rich tapestry of celebrities with Odia ancestry listed above. Delve into the fascinating world of their diverse cultural backgrounds and achievements. For a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the latest celebrity news and updates on renowned figures from various fields, immerse yourself in the content available at Wikipedia.org.
Ethnic Factsheet: The Odia People
| Demographic | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 30 million |
| Region | Odisha, India |
| Language | Odia |
| Religion | Primarily Hinduism |
| Major Cities | Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Rourkela |
| Other States with Significant Population | West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh |
Odia Ethnicity: References and Resources
To dig deeper into the Odia ethnic, you can explore the following references:
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Website of the Odisha Tourism Department: The official website of the Odisha Tourism Department provides information about Odia culture, traditions, festivals, and heritage sites. Accessing this website can give you a comprehensive insight into the Odia ethnic group. You can find this website at: https://www.odishatourism.gov.in/.
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Odisha State Museum: The Odisha State Museum located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, houses a rich collection of artifacts, sculptures, manuscripts, costumes, and art forms related to the Odia culture and history. Visiting the museum or exploring its online resources can provide you with detailed information about the Odia ethnic group. You can find more details about the museum at: https://www.odishamuseum.nic.in/.
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Local Libraries and Research Centers: Local libraries and research centers in Odisha, especially those associated with universities and cultural organizations, can be valuable sources of information about the Odia ethnic group. You can visit these libraries or search their online catalogs to access books, research papers, and other publications related to Odia history, culture, and society.
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Academic Journals and Publications: Journals and publications focusing on South Asian studies, ethnicity, anthropology, and history often feature research articles and papers about the Odia ethnic group. Referencing academic journals and publications can provide in-depth and scholarly insights into various aspects of the Odia culture and society.
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Authentic Odia Folklore and Literature: Exploring authentic Odia folklore, ancient texts, and literary works can offer valuable information about the traditions, customs, art forms, and values of the Odia ethnic group. Reading Odia poetry, novels, and plays can provide a deeper understanding of their cultural expressions.
Remember to consult multiple sources to gain a well-rounded understanding of the Odia ethnic group.
As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.
