Bhubaneswar: As Odisha paid a grand tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth centenary on Saturday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi called upon the youth to follow the ideals of the late leader to help build a ‘New India’.
Majhi was speaking at the Atal Pratibha Samman–2025, organised by Atal Yuvashakti, Odisha. The Chief Minister honoured distinguished personalities for their exemplary contributions across various fields, celebrating both Vajpayee’s legacy and Odisha’s vibrant talent pool.
In his address, the CM lauded Vajpayee as a towering figure whose contributions, including the Pokhran nuclear tests and Kargil victory, remain etched in India’s history.
“Atalji was not just a politician but a sentiment in the hearts of the masses,” he said, highlighting Vajpayee’s deep connection with Odisha.
The former Prime Minister’s initiatives in roads, railways, education, and industrial growth laid the foundation for a modern Odisha.
CM Majhi described Vajpayee’s era as a symbol of a prosperous India—Sujalam Sufalam Bharat—and emphasised his universal respect, even among opponents who called him “the right man in the wrong party.”The event also marked the release of Yugjanma Atal, a commemorative publication capturing Vajpayee’s life, ideology, and patriotism, aimed at inspiring future generations.
The Chief Minister urged the youth to emulate Vajpayee’s values of integrity, organisation, and patriotism, noting his unwavering faith in young people as the moral force and changemakers of today.
Among the awardees, eminent litterateur Dr. Pratibha Ray was conferred the Atal Shrestha Odia Ratna Samman for her literary contributions. Social worker and politician Samir Mohanty received the Atal Mitra Ratna, while senior administrator and writer Debaprasad Dash was honoured with the Atal Sahitya Ratna.
International cricketer Debasis Mohanty was awarded the Atal Khel Ratna, alongside other luminaries recognised for their achievements in diverse domains.
