Bhubaneswar/Keonjhar: The state-level birth anniversary of the great revolutionary Dharanidhar Nayak was celebrated with grandeur today at his birthplace, Kusumita, in Keonjhar district.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, as the chief guest, laid the foundation stone for a memorial museum and interpretation center at Kusumita, with an estimated cost of 50 crore rupees.
Additionally, Majhi announced, inaugurated, and laid the foundation stones for 340 new projects in the district, with a total budget of approximately 1,155 crore rupees.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister stated that Dharanidhar was a symbol of both revolution and spirituality. He was a resolute fighter who led the anti-British movement in Odisha. His determination, patriotism, and sacrifices continue to inspire the younger generation. The state government has taken various steps to immortalize his memory. Emphasizing the tradition of honoring great personalities, the government is celebrating the birth anniversaries of such luminaries at their birthplaces across Odisha, which reflects the state’s pride and identity.
The CM said Dharanidhar’s life teaches us to work with integrity and strive for development. In the first phase of his life, he ignited the fire of rebellion for independence, and in the later phase, he pursued a spiritual path, seeking divine blessings for the country’s freedom.
Though Dharanidhar is no longer with us, his legacy and the revolutionary spirit he ignited remain alive. Today, the fight is not for independence but for development, he added.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the time has come to address the long-standing neglect of Keonjhar.
He further said that Dharanidhar, a proud son of this soil, called for living a life of struggle, and by acting on that call, he has been given the opportunity to serve the state. The strength of this land has further empowered us and continues to inspire the creation of a prosperous Odisha.
The Chief Minister announced that a guest house will be established in Bhubaneswar in memory of Dharanidhar. The memorial site, for which the foundation stone was laid, will preserve Dharanidhar’s ancestral home and safeguard the items he used. A museum will be established on two acres of land near his house, along with an interpretation center. To develop it as a tourist destination, a park and other facilities will also be created.
The Chief Minister also revealed that a mega steel plant by JSW will soon be established in Keonjhar, with an initial investment of 35,000 crore rupees. Additionally, 30 projects worth a total of 1,29,800 crore rupees will be implemented in Keonjhar, creating employment opportunities for 30,000 to 35,000 young men and women. Alongside industrial establishments, priority will be given to projects in education, healthcare, transportation, and irrigation, which will propel Keonjhar forward economically.
Speaking at the event, Minister for Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Suryabanshi Suraj described revolutionary Dharanidhar as a symbol of pride and urged all sections of society to draw inspiration from his life.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister honored Kangali Charan Nayak from Keonjhar with the Dharanidhar Award. Keonjhar MP Ananta Nayak, Telkoi MLA Fakir Mohan Nayak, Patna MLA Akhila Chandra Nayak, and Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud also delivered speeches.
Dharanidhar Nayak’s descendant, Kalakar Nayak, attended the event, while Shyam Sundar Nayak, secretary of the Bhuyan Cultural Organization, presented a report. The program began with a welcome address by Keonjhar District Collector Vishal Singh, and Mamita Nayak, advisor to the Bhuyan Cultural Organization, offered a vote of thanks.
