The dynamic duo behind this venture, Jayshree Nanda, a lecturer hailing from Amersham, and Subhendu Sethi, an IT architect residing in Reading, Berkshire County, decided to channel their time and skills constructively while confined to their homes.
In an inspiring collaborative effort, a lecturer and an IT professional based in the UK have joined forces to provide free online Odia language classes to Odia-speaking individuals living outside their home state and country. This commendable initiative, known as Odia Pathashala, commenced on April 8, 2020, during the height of the pandemic. The dynamic duo behind this venture, Jayshree Nanda, a lecturer hailing from Amersham, and Subhendu Sethi, an IT architect residing in Reading, Berkshire County, decided to channel their time and skills constructively while confined to their homes, Times of India reported.
According to the report, the Odia Pathashala classes have been conducted every Sunday evening, attracting enthusiastic participants from diverse corners of the world, including the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Dubai, the US, and Scotland. What sets these classes apart from conventional teaching methods is their innovative approach to making learning a joyful experience. Instead of the usual rote memorization, they encourage students, especially children, to associate Odia alphabets with familiar objects and words, turning the learning process into an engaging quiz. This interactive method not only accelerates learning but also fosters a deeper connection with the language.
One of the key aspects of the Odia Pathashala classes is the emphasis on active communication in Odia during the sessions. Subhendu Sethi initiates the teaching process by imparting the basics to the children. His approach involves grouping similar-looking alphabets together rather than following a strict sequential order. Once the students are comfortable with the fundamentals, Jayshree Nanda takes over to guide them through more advanced lessons. The curriculum gradually progresses from two-letter words to three-letter words, incorporating vowel signs (matras) along the way. At the conclusion of each session, students are presented with multiple-choice questions to assess their comprehension and retention.
The Odia Pathashala’s collaborative and innovative approach to teaching Odia language and culture has enriched the lives of Odia-speaking individuals residing far from their home state. It not only imparts language skills but also fosters a deeper connection to Odia heritage, proving to be a valuable resource for those seeking to preserve their linguistic and cultural roots
To further enhance their language skills, students are provided with digital copies of Odia books such as ‘Barnabadha’ and ‘MoChaabi Bahi.’ Additionally, the classes extend beyond language instruction to encompass a wide spectrum of Odia culture and heritage. Students gain insights into topics like Lord Jagannath, Rath Yatra, traditional games, indigenous vegetables, cultural traditions, celebrated Odia personalities, festivals, and even Odia cuisine. This comprehensive approach, presented in a storytelling format with the aid of photographs, not only facilitates learning but also breaks the monotony of traditional study methods.
The Odia Pathashala began with a modest enrollment of 22 to 25 students, but its popularity has since surged, with approximately 80 students now participating in both beginner and advanced batches. The beginner classes span six months for each batch, after which students transition to the advanced classes, with the flexibility to continue for as long as they wish. For parents seeking to instill a deep connection with their mother tongue in their children, these classes have proven to be a boon.
One heartwarming success story comes from Sanat Kumar Das, an 11-year-old residing in Dublin, Ireland. He can now converse in Odia and even write the Odia script. His mother, Pallabika Das, attests to the joy and pride Sanat feels when he communicates with relatives in their native language. Similarly, IT professional Manoj Pattnaik enrolled his two sons, Kartikey and Attharv, aged 11 and 7, respectively, in these classes after learning about them from a Pravasi Odia group. His Hungarian wife has also embraced Odia, emphasizing the importance of language preservation and communication within their family.
In summary, the Odia Pathashala’s collaborative and innovative approach to teaching Odia language and culture has enriched the lives of Odia-speaking individuals residing far from their home state. It not only imparts language skills but also fosters a deeper connection to Odia heritage, proving to be a valuable resource for those seeking to preserve their linguistic and cultural roots.
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