Bhubaneswar: To preserve the rich legacy of Kantakabi Laxmikanta Mohapatra, a prominent Odia Poet and freedom fighter, and cherish his contributions to Odia literature, the Odisha government would be setting up a memorial park in his native place, Bhadrak.
According to official sources, 3.95 acres of land has been identified at Samraipur village along the National Highway 16 for development of Kantakabi Laxmikanta Mohapatra Memorial Park and Interpretation Centre in the memory of the late poet, who wrote the iconic state anthem ‘Bande Utkala Janani’.
The Tourism Department has floated a tender to select an architecture and urban planning firm for the development of the park.
The department plans to develop the park-cum-interpretation centre as a tourist destination that will offer its visitors unique, authentic and engaging experience.
Notably, the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had accorded state anthem status to ‘Bande Utkal Janani’ on June 7, 2020.
Therefore, Odisha claims great pride in the name of Kantakabi Laxmikanta Mohapatra and the memory of the great poet holds significant value in the cultural and political history of the state, the Tourism Department mentioned.
“The memorial is being built to honour the great Odia poet and freedom fighter, and it will serve a great platform to remind people, especially the young generation, about his life, contributions and sacrifices to the state of Odisha,” said Tourism Director Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav said.
Kantakabi Laxmikanta Mohapatra made a significant contribution to Odia literature at a time when the very existence of the Odia language was under threat due to the conspiracies hatched by the neighbouring states.
Born to Radhamani Devi and Choudhury Bhagabat Prasad Samantaray Mahapatra as their eldest son on December 9, 1888, at Dhuanpatria lane of Cuttack city, Kantakabi breathed his last on February 24, 1953.
