Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday inaugurated the 13th Angul Mahotsav-2026 in Angul and extended his greetings to the people of the district. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said Angul stands out for its rich cultural heritage, traditions, and hospitality, and that the festival strengthens communal harmony and regional pride.
Majhi described Angul as a unique blend of culture, natural resources, and industrial growth. He noted that the presence of the Satkosia Tiger Reserve, the Mahanadi and Brahmani river systems, and surrounding hills enhances its tourism potential. He also highlighted the role of PSUs such as NALCO, MCL, and NTPC in transforming Angul into a major industrial hub.
Emphasising the district’s cultural significance, the Chief Minister said Angul’s spiritual heritage, including Shree Jagannath Temple, Maa Budhi Thakurani Peetha, and Maa Hingula Peetha, reflects its deep-rooted traditions. He added that local yatras, folk dances, and folk music continue to preserve the district’s cultural identity.
Recalling historical contributions, Majhi paid tribute to prominent personalities from the region, including Raja Somnath Singh, Pabitra Mohan Pradhan, Nrusingha Rayaguru, and Radha Mohan Gadanayak, stating that their legacy played a key role in shaping Odisha’s formation.
On the industrial front, the Chief Minister said Angul is regarded as the “power centre” of Odisha due to its coal reserves and thermal power infrastructure. He also stated that the proposed Integrated Surface Coal Gasification Plant in Talcher would boost energy security and generate employment opportunities.
He further said that the proposed Paradip–Rourkela industrial corridor would accelerate Odisha’s economic growth, with Angul serving as a key hub. Highlighting development works, he informed that projects worth Rs 1,800 crore were initiated last year, while projects worth Rs 559 crore have been launched this year covering roads, bridges, healthcare, education, drinking water, anganwadi centres, hostels, and sports infrastructure.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s focus on welfare schemes aimed at farmers, women, youth, and the poor, including Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana, Samruddh Kisan Yojana, Subhadra Yojana, Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana, and Kanya Sumangala Yojana.
Stressing governance priorities, Majhi said the government follows a policy of “zero tolerance” towards corruption while ensuring transparency and good governance. He also reaffirmed commitment to promoting Odia language, literature, and culture, expressing confidence that Angul will play a significant role in achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ and ‘Samruddha Odisha 2036’.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister felicitated individuals for their contributions in various fields and released a souvenir titled ‘Aam Zilla Aam Katha’.
Several MLAs, including Pratap Chandra Pradhan (Angul), Ashok Mohanty (Pallahara), Braja Kishore Pradhan (Talcher), and Agasti Behera (Chhendipada), along with district officials and other dignitaries, attended the event.
Earlier, the dignitaries highlighted development initiatives in the district and expressed gratitude to the state government for fulfilling key demands and accelerating infrastructure growth in Angul.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Additional District Magistrate (General) Pratap Pritimaya.
