Bhubaneswar: Odisha celebrated its statehood day on Tuesday with grand events across the state and in New Delhi, marking the historic occasion with pride and enthusiasm. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chief minister Mohan Majhi, and leaders from various political parties extended their greetings to the people of Odisha on the occasion.
“Warm greetings to the people on Odisha Day! It is an occasion to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Odisha and the remarkable contribution of its people in various fields. The warm and hospitable people of Odisha have worked hard for the progress of the state while preserving its glorious traditions. Odisha has produced several makers of modern India. I pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath for peace and prosperity of Odisha!” she wrote in a post on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Utkala Dibasa wish on X, said, “This day is a fitting tribute to Odisha’s glorious culture. India takes pride in Odisha’s history, literature, and music. Odisha’s people are hardworking and have excelled in diverse fields. Over the last year, the Centre and Odisha govt are working extensively to further the state’s progress.”
Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati also extended warm greetings and wishes to the people of the state on the social media platform X. The state govt launched a 14-day campaign, Odia Pakhya, aimed at promoting the Odia language and culture. The campaign began at Satyabhamapur, the birthplace of social reformer Madhusudan Das, who played a crucial role in Odisha’s formation as a separate state on April 1, 1936.
The chief minister Mohan Majhi laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Development of Madhusudan Das’s Birthplace, which will be developed as a centre of Odia nationalism. With an investment of 21 crores, a lecture centre, beautification of the surrounding area, statues, a guest house, a library, and the installation of a light and sound system at the local reservoir will be constructed at Satyabhamapur, Majhi announced.
He called upon the people of Odisha to fulfil the dreams of our forefathers by building a prosperous Odisha. “Every drop of our blood is filled with Odia identity. Our lifestyle, conversations, food… everything is imbued with pure Odia-ness. We are committed to advancing that Odia-ness and Odia identity. Therefore, from today until April 14, we are celebrating ‘Odia Heritage’,” he said. During this time, he urged every Odia to eat traditional Odia food, wear Odia attire, converse in Odia, and read Odia newspapers.
Meanwhile, in a significant announcement, Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta declared that Odisha Divas would be included in Delhi’s official state calendar and celebrated as Odisha Parv. The move is seen as a recognition of the Odia community’s contributions to the capital and a step towards strengthening cultural ties between the two states.
All govt buildings and major roads in Bhubaneswar has been decked up with colourful lights, spiral lights, applique lanterns, and flowerpots. Statues of all eminent persons across the city have been garlanded.
Prominent industrialist and Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal greeted people on Odisha Divas. He described Odisha as the ‘Aluminium Capital of the World’ and spoke about Odisha’s distinctive identity shaped by its spiritual depth, traditional arts, cuisine, and rich landscapes. “We are proud to have invested over Rs one lakh crore here. For us, our responsibility goes beyond business – it begins with the well-being of local communities and ensuring sustainable growth,” he said.
Biswa Odia Parivar, a socio-cultural organization, organised a workshop on ‘Windows to Education Development’ in the city on Tuesday.