TNI Bureau: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has strongly criticised the state government for allegedly neglecting the legacy of noted poet and litterateur Dr. Mayadhar Mansingh by excluding his native village Nandala from the list of heritage villages recently announced by the Culture Department.

The state government recently declared the native villages of 25 eminent personalities of Odisha as heritage villages. However, the omission of Nandala—the birthplace of Padma Shri awardee Dr. Mansingh—has sparked sharp reactions from the opposition. BJD Vice-President Sanjay Kumar Das Burma termed the decision “unfortunate” and accused the government of displaying a discriminatory attitude towards one of the foremost figures in Odia literature.

In a press statement, Das Burma said that Nandala village in Krushnaprasad block of Brahmagiri constituency holds a special place in the history of modern Odia poetry. He described the village as one of the cradles of contemporary Odia literary tradition, noting that it inspired the creative vision of Dr. Mansingh, whose works explored themes of love, life and aesthetic beauty.

Dr. Mansingh, the author of the first comprehensive “History of Odia Literature,” produced several timeless literary works including Dhoop, Sadhab Jhia, Hemashasya, Palli Sandhya, Mahanadire Jyotsna Bihar, Dahan Sukha, Roopdebata, Konark, Upekshita, Nikwan, Subhadrushti, Jema, Kamalayan, and Dure Raha. Given this rich literary heritage, Das Burma said, it would not be an exaggeration to describe Nandala as a modern pilgrimage site for lovers of Odia literature.

He further alleged that the culturally vibrant Brahmagiri constituency has repeatedly faced neglect under the present government and its representatives. Criticising what he called the “hollow rhetoric” of protecting Odia identity, Das Burma urged the government to immediately include Nandala village in the heritage village list, honouring the memory and contribution of Dr. Mayadhar Mansingh to Odisha’s literary heritage.