The Institute of Media Studies (IMS) in association with Utkal University has been organising UTSAV ODISHA, a two-day Festival on Culture and National Integration at MKCG Auditorium on the university campus since 2023. The festival aims at promoting the rich cultural heritage of Odisha and its role in  national integration. It will also celebrate the lives of unsung heroes of Odisha in Indian freedom struggle.

On the sidelines of India’s G20 Presidency and Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the first edition of Utsav Odisha was kicked off on 28 th April 2023 at MKCG Auditorium in Utkal University. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) & Additional Chief Secretary to Govt. Shri Nikunja Bihari Dhal, IAS inaugurated the festival in presence of Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University Prof. Sabita Acharya, Chairman of PG Council Prof. Durga Shankar Pattanaik and Registrar Dr. Avaya Kumar Nayak. Former Additional Chief Secretary, Govt. of Gujarat Dr. S.K. Nanda presented the keynote address. While Director of Students Welfare, Utkal University Prof. Mitali Chinara moderated the inaugural ceremony, Director of IMS Prof. Upendra Padhi presented the welcome address and shared the objectives of the festival.

The festival had five plenary sessions – 1. Unity in Diversity: Role of Odisha in National Integration, 2. Revisiting History: Our Roots & Unsung Heroes of Odisha, 3. India’s G20 Presidency & the World: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One Earth-One Family-One Future), 4. New India: Colonial Mindset & Beyond, 5. Bharat Youth Dialogue: Be the Change – where historians, researchers, academicians and experts shared their thoughts and ideas.