By Our Correspondent
SAMBALPUR/BHUBANESWAR:The valor , culture and literature of Sambalpur are invaluable chapters of our rich heritage. Every youth of India should explore this and experience everything, said MP Shri Dharmendra Pradhan while participating in the ‘Vande Mataram Shivir’ organized by ‘Mera Pooja Bharat’ (MY Bharat) in Sambalpur on Sunday . Shri Pradhan also called upon the youth to build the nation and connect with its rich heritage.
Shri Pradhan Wishing everyone a happy Navratri, he said that the mantra ‘Vande Mataram’ inspired the countrymen to unite with immense love and devotion towards the motherland during the freedom struggle. Even today, it is a symbol of our national pride and unity. This camp is an important step towards realizing the ideals of ‘Ek Bharat , Srestha Bharat’.
Describing the historical importance of Sambalpur, Shri Pradhan said that there is evidence of human civilization in this land dating back 10,000 years. The rock art of the ‘Bhima Sangh’ of the district The silent witnesses of this are the great freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai , his brother Rishi Sai and The sacrifice of freedom fighter Udantha Sai, who was imprisoned for 37 years, has doubled the glory of this land. He said that Sambalpur is also a center of art , literature and spirituality. In this holy land, the social welfare words of poet Bhim Bhoi – “ The suffering of living beings is unbearable , I see how much I suffer… Even if I fall into hell for my life , may the world be saved.” Today, it is respected globally, even by the United Nations. Similarly, the contribution of poet Gangadhar Meher, a great advocate of mother tongue and literature, is also invaluable.
On the Hirakud Reservoir, Shri Pradhan said that it is the biggest engineering marvel of modern India and the largest earthen dam in the world. It is being built on the designs of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and Sir M. Visheshwariya. Sambalpur city is home to many prestigious educational institutions including Vishweshwar University , Sambalpur University , Gangadhar Meher University , IIM, which are playing a major role in the development of the country. Drones made by scholars and students here are also used in national security. Apart from this, Sambalpuri handicrafts and food are a symbol of our cultural identity and indigenous spirit. He praised that it is not just a garment , but a unique reflection of the creativity of the weavers and farmer families of the villages.
Stating that India has the world’s largest youth power for the next 25 years, Shri Pradhan said that India has never bowed down to anyone’s threats or intimidation , neither is it bowing down today nor will it bow down in the future. Today, Indian youth are leading the way in IT , science , innovation. And is leading the world through the Global Capability Center. He called upon the youth to work for the marginalized people of the society, embodying the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
The event was graced by the presence of Odisha Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Shri Ravinarayan Nayak. Many youth representatives from Odisha , Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh , Delhi , Madhya Pradesh , Mizoram and West Bengal participated in the Vande Mataram camp. The Vande Mataram camp is a major national-level youth program of Mera Puav Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. One India , Best India And as per the vision of Developed India @ 2047, the main objective of this program is to instill national unity , patriotism , constitutional values , cultural exchange, and leadership skills among the youth .
Out of the 20 Vande Mataram camps being organised across the country, Sambalpur, Odisha has been chosen as one of the venues. During the camp, the delegates will be introduced to the historical , cultural and natural heritage of Western Odisha through visits to Veer Surendra Sai Museum , Hirakud Dam , Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary , Maa Samaleswari Temple , Ghanteswari Temple and Kardola village. During the Kardola visit, the young delegates will be introduced to the traditional Sambalpuri saree weaving process and the skills and livelihood of local artisans.
