Bhubaneswar: Extending greetings to people from Odisha living in different parts of the world, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday called for collective efforts to build a prosperous and developed Odisha as the state celebrated its 91st Foundation Day.
Addressing a state-level function on the occasion of Utkal DIbasa in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister recalled Odisha’s historic role as the first language-based state of India, formed in 1936, which set a precedent for linguistic reorganisation of states in the country.
Majhi paid rich tributes to the great sons of Odisha, including Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das, Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, and Parala Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati for their sacrifices in the freedom struggle and state formation movement.
Underlining the significance of cultural identity, the Chief Minister stated development without identity (Asmita) cannot create a civilization; it will only produce a mechanical society. He urged everyone to uphold Odia pride and unity while marching forward.
Majhi expressed pride in the Odisha Police being awarded the prestigious ‘Rashtrapati Police Colours’.
The CM also highlighted the state’s rapid progress in infrastructure development, industrial growth, and employment generation. Initiatives for the empowerment of women through Subhadra Yojana, girls’ education via Kanya Sumangala Yojana, and support for farmers, including fair prices for paddy, revolving funds, and modern storage facilities, were underlined as key priorities.
Outlining the vision for the future, Majhi said the government is committed to transforming Odisha into a prosperous state by its centenary year in 2036. The Chief Minister declared the next 10 years as the ‘Decade of Resolve’ for building Samruddha Odisha, with targets to expand the state economy to $500 billion by 2036 and $1,500 billion by 2047. Plans include developing Greater Bhubaneswar as a modern financial and technology hub, creating an economic corridor from Puri to Paradip, and boosting tourism.
He also spoke about advancements in the education and health sectors, including new universities, medical colleges, doctor recruitments, and benefits under Ayushman Bharat.
The Chief Minister inaugurated a photo exhibition on the formation of the separate Utkal Province. He also released the April editions of the government magazines ‘Utkal Prasanga’ and ‘Odisha Review’, along with the fourth edition of ‘Pragati Prabaha’. Successful students from the state-level speech competition and eight Red Cross awardees were felicitated.
The event was attended by senior officials, including Chief Secretary Anu Garg, and concluded with cultural performances.