Bhubaneswar: The hidden gems of Odisha have been frequently featuring in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat.
In the 75th episode of the All India Radio programme by the PM on Sunday, 2 Odia green warriors and a woman from Odisha Capital have found a mention in speech.
They are Bijay Kumar Kabi of Kendrapada, Amaresh Samant of Paradip for their efforts in forestation.
A woman, Pushpa Shukla of Bhubaneswar, was mentioned by Modi for writing him a letter speaking about the excitement of senior citizens for opening the COVID-19 vaccination for the elderly.
Bijay has set an example by creating a mangrove forest on the outskirts of his village which is protecting it from high tides and cyclone from the sea.
The Kendrapada man has grown a mangrove through his hard work and relentless efforts for 12 years.
The Prime Minister said “Bijayji hails from Kendrapada in Odisha. Kendrapada is on the sea coast. That’s why there are many villages in this district, which are prone to the dangers of high tides and Cyclone. This also causes havoc at times. Bijoyji felt that if anything can stop this environmental devatation, theonly thing that can stop it, it is only nature.”
Bijay scripted a success story by planting 15,000 mangroves to create a natural barrier in 25 acres of barren land thus saving the sea-side village of Badakot from land erosion.
Another green warrior, Amaresh has created a gramya jungle (rural forest) in Lunukula village under Kujang block of Jagatsinghpur district on three acres of land. From a barren land about six years back to being a home to over 500 varieties of trees, the village was transformed into an area of greenery by Samant, who started planting trees in 2015. He is popularly known as the Brukhya Manab or Forest Man in the district.
Also Read:Odisha Engineer Creates ‘Mini Forests’ In 20 Villages To Overcome Damage Due to Cyclones
About Pushpa Shulka, Modi said, “Friends, it’s a matter of honour for everyone that today, India is running the world’s largest vaccination programme. Pushpa Shukla ji from Bhubaneshwar has written to me about photographs of the vaccination programme. She urges that I should discuss in Mann ki Baat the enthusiasm visible in the elderly of the household regarding the vaccine.”
“Friends, it is right, as well…we are getting to hear such news from all corners of the country; we are seeing such pictures that touch our hearts. 109 year old elderly mother from Jaunpur UP, Ram Dulaiya ji has taken the vaccination; similarly 107 year old Kewal Krishna ji in Delhi has taken the dose of the vaccine. 100 year old Jai Chaudhary from Hyderabad has taken the vaccine and it’s an appeal to all to take the vaccine,” he added.
Also Read: ‘Mann Ki Baat’ Hero Silu Nayak Of Odisha Stands Vindicated
