Berhampur: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited Ganjam district on Wednesday and announced Rs 68 crore for the development of the famous Tara Tarini Peeth.
During his visit to the district, Majhi he attended the centenary celebrations of Gangadahani Government Upgraded High School, offer prayers at Tara Tarini Peeth and held a review meeting with the district administration on infrastructure development in the region.
The Chief Minister visited Tara Tarini Peeth and discussed various initiatives for the region’s development with local representatives to enhance infrastructure.
Speaking at the school event, the CM stressed that education is not merely a process of awarding certificates to students, but a process of preparing them for the race of life. “For 100 years, our school has not just been a collection of classrooms. It is a sacred place of knowledge and character,” he said.
Majhi further advised the students, saying, “My small piece of advice for you today is that education is not just a means of earning a livelihood. It is a temple for building humanity. Use education in the right way. Today, in our neighboring country Pakistan, many children, after receiving education, misuse their knowledge in terrorist activities, ruining their future. But we do not want war; we want wisdom. We do not want jihad; we want Jagannath. Therefore, we must study to bring pride to ourselves, our families, and our villages, and dedicate ourselves to the glory and honour of our motherland.”
He added that for 100 years, this school has been spreading the light of knowledge in the Khallikote region, and studying in this century-old institution is a matter of pride and honour for students. “Recalling the legacy, journey, and success of Gangadahani High School, this is the right occasion to honour it. It is a living testament to the success of our alumni. Your journey reflects the values established here, and your success inspires future generations to aim high and dream big. This is a system where we make children aware of their rights and responsibilities toward society, the state, and the nation as good citizens.”
Majhi advises the students to be prepared for struggles in life as success is achieved only through the path of struggle. There is no shortcut to success; if there is, it is only through struggle and hard work.
Noting that education is a top priority for the government, the CM said in this year’s budget, Rs 31,000 crore has been allocated for school education, an 18% increase compared to the previous year, making it the highest allocation among all departments. The government aims to restore schools over 100 years old, like this one, as ‘Heritage Schools.’ Under the ‘Heritage School’ initiative, over 50 old schools in the state will be renovated, he added.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced that the state government has allocated Rs 8 crore for the infrastructure development of Maa Tara Tarini Peeth. This includes provisions for security and sanitation, the installation of an automated cooking machine (on the hilltop), repair and reconstruction of the 999 stone steps, land acquisition for parking and a helipad, among other measures.
Additionally, to provide necessary facilities to devotees and visitors and enhance their spiritual and cultural experience, the state government has sanctioned an additional Rs 30 crore. This will fund the construction of a multi-storey dharamshala in front of the main entrance, a picnic spot, road improvements including safety walls, lighting, signboards, five domes around the temple, northern side enhancements, and other development works along the Rushikulya River, to be executed at a cost of Rs 25 crore. Additionally, Rs 5 crore will be kept as a fixed deposit for the maintenance of the temple and other buildings, the Chief Minister stated.
Thus, a total of Rs 68 crore has been sanctioned for the infrastructure development of Maa Tara Tarini Peeth.
