Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today visited Ganjam district, where he participated as the chief guest in the centenary celebrations of Gangadahani Government Upgraded High School. He also visited the famous Tara Tarini Peeth to offer prayers to Maa Tara Tarini and held a review meeting with the district administration to discuss infrastructure development in the region.
Before attending the centenary celebrations of Gangadahani Government Upgraded High School, the Chief Minister visited Tara Tarini Peeth and discussed various initiatives for the region’s development with local representatives to enhance infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister emphasized that education is not merely a process of awarding certificates to students; it is a process of preparing them for the race of life. He said, “For 100 years, our school has not just been a collection of classrooms. It is a sacred place of knowledge and character. Every brick in the foundation of shaping our future carries a story of resilience.”
He further advised the students, saying, “My small piece of advice for you today is that education is not just a means of earning a livelihood. It is a temple for building humanity. Use education in the right way. Today, in our neighboring country Pakistan, many children, after receiving education, misuse their knowledge in terrorist activities, ruining their future. But we do not want war; we want wisdom. We do not want jihad; we want Jagannath. Therefore, we must study to bring pride to ourselves, our families, and our villages, and dedicate ourselves to the glory and honor of our motherland.”
He added that for 100 years, this school has been spreading the light of knowledge in the Khallikote region, and studying in this century-old institution is a matter of pride and honor for students. “Recalling the legacy, journey, and success of Gangadahani High School, this is the right occasion to honour it. It is a living testament to the success of our alumni. Your journey reflects the values established here, and your success inspires future generations to aim high and dream big. This is a system where we make children aware of their rights and responsibilities toward society, the state, and the nation as good citizens.”
Addressing the students, he said, “Never fear struggles in life. Success is achieved only through the path of struggle. There is no shortcut to success; if there is, it is only through struggle and hard work. Children, my advice to you is, ‘Knowledge is the greatest wealth; strive to earn it.’ Work hard, and the results will surely be sweet. Be successful students and skilled nation-builders. Break through the darkness of despair and shine as the light of hope. With your knowledge and skills, burn like incense sticks to spread fragrance to others. You are the children of nectar. You can achieve the impossible. I have faith and trust in you.”
He highlighted that education is a top priority for the government. In this year’s budget, ₹31,000 crore has been allocated for school education, an 18% increase compared to the previous year, making it the highest allocation among all departments. The government aims to restore schools over 100 years old, like this one, as ‘Heritage Schools.’ Under the ‘Heritage School’ initiative, over 50 old schools in the state will be renovated, he added.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced that the state government has allocated ₹8 crore for the infrastructure development of Maa Tara Tarini Peeth. This includes provisions for security and sanitation, the installation of an automated cooking machine (on the hilltop), repair and reconstruction of the 999 stone steps, land acquisition for parking and a helipad, among other measures.
Additionally, to provide necessary facilities to devotees and visitors and enhance their spiritual and cultural experience, the state government has sanctioned an additional ₹30 crore. This will fund the construction of a multi-storey dharamshala in front of the main entrance, a picnic spot, road improvements including safety walls, lighting, signboards, five domes around the temple, northern side enhancements, and other development works along the Rushikulya River, to be executed at a cost of ₹25 crore. Additionally, ₹5 crore will be kept as a fixed deposit for the maintenance of the temple and other buildings, the Chief Minister stated.
It is noteworthy that a total of ₹68 crore has been sanctioned for the infrastructure development of Maa Tara Tarini Peeth.
The event was attended by Minister of Commerce & Transport, Steel & Mines Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, Minister of Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Gokulananda Mallik, Chikiti MLA Manoranjan Dyan Samantara, Kabisuryanagar MLA Pratap Chandra Nayak, Chhatrapur MLA Krishna Chandra Nayak, Khallikote MLA Purna Chandra Sethi, among others.
