Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended greetings to people on the occasion of Odisha Day and said that the state stands tall as a ‘timeless symbol’ of culture and ‘spiritual greatness’.
Odisha Day, or Utkal Divas, is celebrated annually on April 1 to commemorate the formation of Odisha as a separate province on April 1, 1936, based on linguistic identity.
This day honours Odisha’s rich culture, heritage, and the leaders who fought for a separate state.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Greetings on the special occasion of Utkala Diwas. Odisha is a state that stands tall as a timeless symbol of cultural as well as spiritual greatness. Odia music, art and literature have enriched India in countless ways.”
“The people of Odisha, known for their determination, simplicity and warmth, have made remarkable contributions across fields. May Odisha keep scaling new heights of progress in the times to come,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in a post on X, extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the people of the state on the joyous occasion.
“As the first state formed on the basis of language, Odisha created its distinct identity on the world stage. On this occasion, I pay my deep respects to those great sons of the soil whose sacrifices and foresight made a separate Odisha possible,” he said.
The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to ‘safeguarding’ Odia identity and culture.
“We continue to work tirelessly to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of every Odia. Our sole aim is to build Odisha into the foremost state of the nation. On this sacred day today, let us all come together and take a firm pledge to build a ‘Prosperous Odisha’,” Majhi added.
