New Delhi: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi celebrated the state’s rich cultural heritage and outlined a robust vision for its development while addressing the vibrant audience at Odisha Parva 2024.
The three-day festival, organized by Odia Samaj in New Delhi, aims to bring Odia traditions closer to those residing in the national capital.
Majhi thanked the President for gracing the event, emphasizing her deep connection with Odisha and her role in preserving the legacy of the state’s great personalities, such as Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab.
He spoke passionately about Odisha’s cultural treasures, including the classical status of the Odia language and Odissi dance, while reaffirming his government’s commitment to securing classical status for Odissi music.
Highlighting his government’s initiatives, Majhi detailed efforts such as the Rs. 500 crore Jagannath Temple corpus fund, the Rs. 200 crore Odia Asmita Corpus Fund, and investments in arts, literature, and heritage preservation, including the establishment of an Odia Translation Academy and a world-class museum for palm-leaf manuscripts.
On the economic front, the Chief Minister announced the Make in Odisha Conclave to be held in January 2025, aimed at attracting global investors to Odisha. He cited significant infrastructure investments, with over Rs. 40,000 crore already allocated for roads and railways and a projected Rs. 1 lakh crore over five years.
Majhi reiterated the double-engine government’s vision to make Odisha the growth engine of India, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on the state’s development. He also urged the community to contribute to the government’s 2036 vision of transforming Odisha into a developed state.
Concluding his speech with a recitation of Sitakanta Mohapatra’s poetry, Majhi called upon the Odia diaspora to remain ambassadors of the state’s culture and heritage. He prayed for their well-being and success while instilling a sense of pride in their Odia identity.
