By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR:Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all the Odisha brothers and sisters living in the country and abroad through a video message on the occasion of the holy ‘Odisha Day’. He termed the next 10 years – 2026 to 2036 – as an important journey towards the centenary of the formation of ‘Independent Odisha Pradesh’ and called for taking 10 important resolutions to make Odisha a prosperous and developed state.
Paying tribute to the Barputras of Odisha, Shri Pradhan said that today is a day of pride and glory for all of us. Today is not just a date, it is a celebration of the victory of our Odisha identity, pride and struggle. Our great personalities have made an unparalleled contribution in forming a separate Odisha state on April 1, 1936. The love for language of Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan Das, Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanjdeo, Maharaja Krishnachandra Gajapati, Swabhakavi Gangadhar Meher and Vyasa poet Fakir Mohan Sahabi and the sacrifice of countless Barputras are the foundation of our nation. Due to their struggle, today our Odisha nation has created its own unique identity in the world court.
As Odisha completes 100 years of formation in 2036, the Union Minister has urged every Odia to take the following 10 resolutions. He said, exactly 10 years from today, in 2036, our state will complete 100 years of formation of an independent province based on the Odisha language. In 2047, our country will complete the centenary of independence. For this, the next 10 to 21 years are very crucial and important. Therefore, today is a day of introspection for all of us. At this time, we have to take a resolution that we will respect our mother tongue and promote it. Contribute in our own field to the development and progress of Odisha. Help build a prosperous and strong Odisha by forgetting caste, religion and discrimination. Take collective responsibility to provide nutritious food to every child. Ban single-use plastic and make others aware in this direction. Keep our schools, temples, historical sites and roads clean and beautiful. Protect nature by conserving water and energy. Face the situation with patience in any critical moment like the one seen in the Middle East and give courage and support to others so that they do not get scared. Inspired by the Prime Minister’s ‘Vocal for Local’ call, promote local products of Odisha and strengthen the rural economy. Above all, fulfill your duty as a conscious citizen to assert your rights. These resolutions will guide us to build a proud, prosperous and developed Odisha in the coming days, he said.
Shri Pradhan said, our state Odisha is a confluence of art, culture, language and indomitable courage, from the crafts of Konark to the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath – our tradition is unique in the whole world. Our land of Odisha is the land of gods. The immense compassion of Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Jagannath is the greatest resource of our nation. The blessings of Maa Lakshmi and Maa Bimala have always enriched and protected our culture. Similarly, the presiding Goddess Maa Samlai, the presiding Goddess of Sambalpur, is the symbol of our faith and belief, whose blessings have always guided our lives. The blessings of Lord Srilingaraj have given our land a unique cultural identity. The fearless devotion of Maa Hingula, Maa Tarini, Maa Cuttackchandi, Maa Birja, Maa Sharla and Maa Charchika have given a spiritual dignity to this holy land of ours. Our classical language ‘Odia’ is our strength and ‘Literature’ and ‘History’ are our pride. From the earthenware pots of Odia homes to the Mahaprasad of Mahaprabhu – the uniqueness and intimacy in our traditional food culture is unique. From the Khaja of Srikshetra Puri to the Sarasatiya of Sambalpur, Chenapod of Nayagarh, Salepur Rasogola, Bara of Dhenkanal and Rasooluk of Kendrapara have created a unique identity of the Odia nation all over the world.
Shri Pradhan further said, today’s Odisha is on the path of a big change. With the blessings of Mahaprabhu and the tireless efforts of the Odia people, we are determined to build a ‘developed Odisha’. The boundless talent of our art, culture, industry and youth is creating a new identity for Odisha in the whole world. It is a matter of joy that the state government is celebrating ‘Odia Palka’ from today to the 14th to bring this rich culture, language and heritage of Odisha to the youth. Under this ‘Odia Palka’ campaign, distribution of Khadi Khara and Varnabodh for children, awareness for putting up Odia nameplates, book fairs, literary discussions and discussions on the ideals of Barputras will be held. Shri Pradhan expressed the hope that this visionary step will give our heritage a new identity in the world and further strengthen Odia identity.
