By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR:Redhakhol’s ‘Bhimbhoi Lok Mahotsav’ is not just a platform for culture and folk art but also a shining reflection of our Odia identity, pride and identity. This initiative will highlight the glorious history of ‘Bhim Sangh’ and the great humanist thoughts of saint poet Bhim Bhoi in the entire world. It will strengthen the spiritual identity of Redhakhol and help in giving a new look to tourism here, said Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan through a video message on the occasion of ‘Redhakhol Bhimbhoi Lok Mahotsav-2026’.
Shri Pradhan said in his message that the land of Redhakhol is the land of knowledge, devotion and culture. The history of this land is very glorious. The life story of human civilization dating back more than 10,000 years has been recorded in the Bhimamanda of this region. This land is the land of the ‘two Bhimas’. One is the great hero Bhimsen of Purana, who is the symbol of valor and justice. The other is the great reformer saint poet Bhimbhoi. One accepted the forest life with a smile to fight against injustice and establish a ‘Dharma Rajya’. The other preached the great Dharma and instilled self-respect among the neglected, forest dwellers and tribals. These two ‘great personalities’ endured many hardships, but the goal was one – the welfare of the people and the establishment of justice in the society. Similarly, the district administration is proud and honored to launch ‘Redhakhol Bhimbhoi Lok Mahotsav-2026’ for the first time in this holy land.
Shri Pradhan informed about various projects and said that recently on the occasion of ‘Good Governance Day’, foundation stone laying and dedication of various projects worth more than Rs. 245 crores were done in the area. A new building of the Sub-Divisional Hospital and a ‘Trauma Care Centre’ for 24-hour emergency services are going to be established in this area. Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has been requested to construct a bypass at Redhakhol to solve the traffic problem on National Highway No. 55.
Not only this, to bring about a big change in the field of education, it has been decided to open ‘PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya’ here, and the classes are planned to start from the next academic year. The newly built Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya is geared towards fulfilling the aspirations of the students. On the occasion of ‘National Girl Child Day’, a Boeing Sukanya STEM Lab has been set up at Gaurachandra High School, Redhakhol. This lab will provide science along with aerospace related education and training required to become a pilot. This initiative will ignite a new light of scientific thinking and innovation in our students, especially girls. Redhakhol has also been a special beneficiary of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Utkhatar Shiksha Abhiyan’ scheme. Saint poet Bhim Bhoi said, “I see the suffering of animals without any respite, even if I fall into hell for my life, may the world be saved.” His great words today inspire the mantra of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. All these projects will further strengthen the foundation of economic and social development of Dhakhol.
Addressing the students as the ‘Vishvakarma’ of modern India, the Minister advised them to visit the ‘Bhima Sangh’ of Khinda, Kudopali and Redhakhol, the birthplace of Veer Surendra Sai. Taking inspiration from these historical places, Shri Pradhan called for collective cooperation in building a ‘Developed Redhakhol’ and ‘Developed Odisha’.
