Second Konark Temple Now Seems A Reality: Raghunath Mohapatra

Bhubaneswar: Eminent sculptor of Raghunath Mohapatra, who was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday, said his dream of a second Konark temple now seems to become a reality.

“I am hopeful that the central and the state government would support my dream,” Mohapatra told mediapersons after visiting the Lingaraj Temple here on Sunday.

Senior BJP leader and Union Minister, who also visited the temple with Mohapatra, said that the nomination of Raghunath Mohapatra and eminent Odissi danseuse Sonal Mansingh to the Upper House by the President is first ever occasion for Odisha since Independence. “The people of Odisha have expressed their profound gratitude to the President and the Prime Minister for nominating the two luminaries of the state to the Rajya Sabha. By nominating these two eminent personalities, the President has expressed his immense love for Odisha,” he added.

He further said Mohapatra would be instrumental in enhancing the pride of Odisha. He will represent Odisha in the Upper House and fight for the pristine culture and heritage of the state.

Talking about the second Konark temple, Pradhan said the whole of India would support his endeavour.