Koraput central varsity to set up Bhima Bhoi chair

Bhubaneswar: Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan here on Saturday announced that a Bhima Bhoi chair will be set up at the Central University of Odisha (CUO), Koraput.Speaking to media persons after inaugurating the Santha Kabi Bhima Bhoi mandap and library at Kalarahanga, Pradhan said, “Mahima Gosain’s thoughts and Bhima Bhoi’s literary creations have been reflected in the Narendra Modi-led BJP government’s plans and programmes for the poor and downtrodden people. To make Gosain’s thoughts and philosophy more relevant for today’s society, the Centre has opened Bhima Bhoi chairs in different universities across the country. After establishing Santha Kabi Bhima Bhoi chairs at two central universities — University of Delhi and Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur — in April last year, these chairs have now started research work.”The University Grants Commission (UGC) will approve the chair at CUO next month. “The chair will encourage higher studies and research on the humanitarian philosophy of the great saint and Mahima Dharma,” he said. Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, Bhubaneswar, has set up a Bhima Bhoi chair and research centre to promote higher studies and research on the life and works of the saint.Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur, has also set up a Bhima Bhoi research chair to carry out interdisciplinary research.