<span style="color: #222222;">The University Grants Commission will establish Bhima Bhoi chairs at the University of Delhi and Guru Ghasidas University in Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh. The decision follows Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's suggestion to UGC to conduct extensive research on the life and philosophy of the saint-poet Bhima Bhoi of Odisha.<br />''<br />''AIR correspondent reports that welcoming the move, the Union Education Minister Mr. Pradhan has said that the 19th century Saint-Poet of Odisha, popularly referred to as Santha Kabi, was an ardent proponent of Mahima Dharma and played a stellar role in rekindling the cultural and literary consciousness in the state. The Minister said, a visionary, Bhima Bhoi batted for the empowerment of the marginalized through his earthy poems. He said, the decision of UGC to establish Bhima Bhoi chairs in the two universities will encourage higher studies and research on the humanitarian philosophy of the great saint and will be a fitting tribute to a literary giant like him</span><br />