Bhubaneswar: “Odia Asmita (Odia identity) is our soul and the primary duty of the govt is to protect and promote Odia Asmita through preservation and expansion of the language, literature, culture, and heritage,” chief minister Mohan Majhi said in his vote of thanks to the governor’s address in the assembly on Wednesday.
He said development without identity is like tasteless food.“From the very first day of forming the new govt, we have started taking steps to prioritize identity along with development. To protect and promote Odia Asmita, our govt has established a corpus fund of Rs 200 crore and set up an Odia Asmita Bhavan,” the CM said.
Majhi said additionally steps would be taken to establish Odia Translation Academy and Talapatra Manuscript Museum, and develop a Paika Rebellion Memorial, while Odia chairs will be established in national and international universities.
“In 2036, we will celebrate the centenary of the formation of our state. Only 12 years remain for this. Our govt is committed to making 2036 a bright period in Odisha’s history. The next five years are crucial for achieving this goal,” Majhi said.
Criticising the opposition BJD, Majhi said, “If the previous govt had focused on the social and economic conditions of Odisha, we would not have so many unresolved issues today.”
The CM further said that back then, they were in the opposition and were raising questions, while the govt members displayed arrogance. “Today, the situation has changed. God tolerates everything but not pride and arrogance,” he asserted.

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