Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday wished the state on its foundation day, which is celebrated on April 1 every year to remember its formation after a long struggle of over three centuries.
On April 1, 1936, marked the beginning of a new journey for Odisha, separated from Bengal and Bihar, under the British rule. The state was once part of Kalinga ruled by emperor Ashok, and later by Kharavela, remembered as a conqueror and the champion of Jainism, before Mughals invaded and wrested it.
Greeting the people of the state in a post on X, President Murmu said, “Warm greetings to the people on Odisha Day! It is an occasion to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Odisha and remarkable contribution of its people in various fields. The warm and hospitable people of Odisha have worked hard for the progress of the state while preserving its glorious traditions.”
Highlighting Odisha’s role in India’s independence movement, she said, “Odisha has played an important role in the freedom struggle and produced several makers of modern India. I pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath for peace and prosperity of Odisha!”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his wishes, emphasising Odisha’s cultural pride and contributions. “Warm wishes on Utkala Dibasa! This day is a fitting tribute to Odisha’s glorious culture. India takes pride in Odisha’s history, literature and music. Odisha’s people are hardworking and have excelled in diverse fields. Over the last year, the Centre and Odisha Governments are working extensively to further the state’s progress,” Modi said in a post on X.
Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati extended warm greetings and wishes to the people of the state on the occasion in a post on X handle.
ଓଡ଼ିଶା ଦିବସ ଅବସରରେ ମାନ୍ୟବର ରାଜ୍ୟପାଳ, ଶ୍ରୀ @DrHariBabuK ସମସ୍ତ ଓଡ଼ିଶାବାସୀଙ୍କୁ ହାର୍ଦ୍ଦିକ ଅଭିନନ୍ଦନ ଓ ଶୁଭେଚ୍ଛା ଜଣାଇଛନ୍ତି I ବନ୍ଦେ ଉତ୍କଳ ଜନନୀ। #ଓଡ଼ିଶାଦିବସ pic.twitter.com/jWfaezuwb1
— Governor Odisha (@GovernorOdisha) April 1, 2025
Paying rich tributes to the state’s founding fathers, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi called upon all to strengthen the resolve to build a healthy and developed Odisha.
“Greetings and best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Odisha Day. A humble tribute to the great men who made immense sacrifices for the formation of a separate Odisha state and enhanced the glory of our language, literature and culture. On this day, let us further strengthen our resolve to build a healthy and developed Odisha”, the CM said on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to X handle to greet the people of Odisha on the occasion.
Heartfelt greetings to our sisters and brothers of Odisha on the occasion of Odisha Day.
A state endowed with a glorious cultural heritage and immense natural resources, Odisha has always been a jewel in Bharat’s pride. Today the state is pacing to become Bharat’s growth engine…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 1, 2025
