Bhubaneswar: People across Odisha and the Odia diaspora are observing Utkala Dibasa with great enthusiasm on Wednesday, commemorating the formation of the state as a separate province on April 1, 1936. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the historic event that established Odisha as the first Indian state created on linguistic lines.
Prior to 1936, Odia-speaking regions were fragmented across the Bengal Presidency (which included parts that later became Bihar and Jharkhand), the Madras Presidency, and various princely states. The long-standing demand for a unified province gained momentum in the early 20th century, driven by the need to preserve and promote the distinct Odia language, culture, and identity amid administrative neglect and cultural assimilation pressures.
The movement, which spanned nearly three decades, was spearheaded by visionary leaders through platforms like the Utkal Sammilani (Utkal Union Conference). Prominent figures included Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das, Utkalamani Gopabandhu Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati, and others such as Pandit Nilakantha Das and Radhanath Ray. Their persistent advocacy, petitions, and public mobilisation convinced the British authorities to carve out a separate Orissa Province on linguistic principles, incorporating Odia-majority areas from Bihar and Orissa Province along with districts like Ganjam and Koraput from the Madras Presidency.
This milestone not only revived Odia pride but also set a precedent for India’s post-independence linguistic reorganisation of states, influencing the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Mahi greeting people of the state on this occasion through posts on X.
President Droupadi Murmu
Warm greetings to the people of Odisha on Odisha Day! This occasion celebrates the state’s rich cultural heritage, timeless traditions, and the resilience of its people. Odisha’s invaluable contribution to India’s freedom struggle and nation-building continues to inspire all of us. Its talented and hardworking people are playing a significant role in the journey of Viksit Bharat. I pray to Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Odisha.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Greetings on the special occasion of Utkala Dibasa. Odisha is a state that stands tall as a timeless symbol of cultural as well as spiritual greatness. Odia music, art and literature have enriched India in countless ways. The people of Odisha, known for their determination, simplicity and warmth, have made remarkable contributions across fields. May Odisha keep scaling new heights of progress in the times to come.
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi
On this sacred day of the formation of the Independent Odisha Province, my heartfelt greetings to all Odia brothers and sisters. Thanks to the indomitable struggle and sacrifice of our valiant sons, today we stand proudly with a distinct identity. On this occasion today, let us once again resolve to build a ‘Prosperous Odisha’ by drawing inspiration from our glorious heritage. Let us shape Odisha into the foremost state in the country through the synergy of agriculture, industry, education, and culture.
The CM is scheduled to attend the state-level Odisha Dibasa celebrations at Suando and Sakhi Gopal this morning. He will be at the inauguration of VFS Global Visa Application Centre at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bus Terminal in Bhubaneswar at 4 pm and the state-level Odisha Dibasa celebrations at Krushi Sikhya Sadan, OUAT, in the evening.
Leaders from other parties, including Union ministers and opposition figures, joined in extending similar messages of unity, pride in Odia identity, and a call for continued progress.
