Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended warm greetings to Odisha on Utkala Dibasa, praising legendary leader Biju Patnaik as a towering figure whose life “epitomises strength, courage and an unwavering commitment to nation-building.”
The message, delivered via a personal letter to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi from Modi’s Dibrugarh camp office, comes against the backdrop of a political controversy sparked by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s recent remarks linking Patnaik to the CIA during the 1962 Sino-Indian conflict.
In his letter, Modi highlighted Odisha’s rich heritage and paid rich tributes to its icons. “This is the soil that nurtured the great Biju Patnaik,” he wrote, adding that Biju Babu’s “multifaceted persona inspires us all.”
He also remembered the valour of Buxi Jagabandhu and Veer Surendra Sai, along with contributions of leaders and luminaries including Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo, Madhusudan Das, Gopabandhu Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Gangadhar Meher, Harekrushna Mahtab, Malati Choudhury, Sarala Devi, and Parbati Giri, noting they have left an “indelible mark on India’s history”.
Modi described Odisha as a “civilisational treasure” and marvelled at its glorious past and people. He lauded Odias for excelling in trade, academics, sports, arts, and research, and recalled his long personal association with the state and its diaspora even before becoming Prime Minister. “I consider it my privilege and the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath that over the last decade, I have got the chance to work towards the progress of Odisha and the prosperity of its people,” he stated.
The Prime Minister spotlighted developmental strides under the Centre-state partnership. He noted that Odisha has received highest-ever allocation for railways and roads to boost connectivity. Railway funding increased to ₹10,200 crore in 2024–27, up from ₹838 crore in 2009–14. This, he said, is giving “fresh momentum” to connectivity, logistics, and tourism in a state blessed with natural and cultural wealth.
Modi emphasised efforts to uplift tribal communities through schemes like PM-JANMAN, focusing on the most vulnerable groups.
He positioned Odisha as an emerging maritime and industrial hub, citing port-led development at Paradip, LNG terminals at Paradip and Gopalpur, proposals for Bahuda Port and Mahanadi riverine facilities, and shipbuilding potential. He also referenced the success of fisheries, including an Odia fish farmer highlighted in his recent Mann Ki Baat address.
On strategic sectors, the PM mentioned the proposed Dedicated Rare Earth Corridor and initiatives for domestic permanent magnet manufacturing, underscoring Odisha’s role in critical minerals and advanced manufacturing.
He further added that the state is emerging as a promising player in India’s semiconductor journey.
Modi expressed pride in the NDA government’s success against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), combining security measures with development to restore dignity to affected areas. He acknowledged that Odisha, which suffered from Maoist violence slowing its progress, particularly values these efforts.
Praising CM Majhi and his team, Modi said: “I would also like to express my appreciation for you and the Odisha Government for the exceptional work you have been doing over the last two years. The people have placed immense faith in this team and I am confident no stone will be left unturned to fulfil their dreams.”
He highlighted Subhadra Yojana as a transformative women’s empowerment initiative, benefiting over one crore women with financial support that has brought stability, confidence, and dignity. The scheme has also contributed to creating “Lakhpati Didis”.
Industrial growth was called “equally heartening,” with foundation stones and inaugurations of over 100 major projects promising record investments and employment, he noted.
Modi appreciated the state government’s focus on strengthening “Odia Asmita” and preserving language, culture, and heritage. He assured continued central support for sports and youth, hailing Odisha’s hosting of 2028 World Athletics U20 Championships as “a matter of pride for the entire nation.”
With Odisha marking 100 years as a state in about a decade, the Prime Minister urged the CM to plan collective goals for greater progress. He also committed full support to the state’s journey toward a ‘Viksit Odisha’, emphasising that Odisha as a key pillar in achieving a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Odisha CM Majhi expressed gratitude for the PM’s message, saying it resonated deeply with every Odia heart and reflected the state’s heritage alongside a strong vision for inclusive growth.
Honorable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji,
On this auspicious occasion of Utkal Diwas, I extend my deepest gratitude to you on behalf of the people of Odisha for your heartfelt wishes and your eloquent recognition of our state’s glorious history and civilization heritage.… pic.twitter.com/LmMS9WeLd8
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) April 1, 2026
