Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday called upon the youth to draw inspiration from the ideals of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das and play an active role in building a ‘Samruddha Odisha’ and a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Addressing the state-level birth anniversary celebration of Gopabandhu Das at Jayadev Bhawan here, Majhi paid tribute to the eminent freedom fighter, social reformer and litterateur, recalling his contributions to society, patriotism and selfless service.
Describing Gopabandhu as an institution in himself and a symbol of national consciousness and Odia identity, the Chief Minister urged young people to place social responsibility above individual achievement.
True fulfilment in life, he said, lies not merely in pursuing personal success but also in bringing happiness to others and working for the welfare of society, following the path shown by Gopabandhu.
Majhi said the social reformer’s commitment to the poor, the neglected and people living in remote areas continues to guide the government’s welfare initiatives. He said the government was working to ensure that the benefits of development reached every section of society.
Citing several welfare measures, the Chief Minister highlighted initiatives such as free education from kindergarten to postgraduate level, the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana, the Ayushman Bharat–Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana and the provision of an additional five kg of free rice under the Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana.
He also said steps were being taken to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive pensions under the Madhubabu Pension Yojana.
Highlighting initiatives to preserve Odisha’s linguistic and cultural heritage, Majhi said the government had undertaken plans for an Odia Asmita Bhavan, the upgradation of Odia University at Satyabadi, the redevelopment of Bakul Bana at an estimated cost of Rs 90 crore and development projects worth nearly Rs 500 crore in Satyabadi, the birthplace of Gopabandhu Das.
Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, Brahmagiri MLA Upasana Mahapatra, Satyabadi MLA Om Prakash Mishra, Pipili MLA Ashrita Pattanaik and Khallikote MLA Purnachandra Sethi also spoke at the event, emphasising the continuing relevance of Gopabandhu’s ideals in shaping a progressive Odisha.
The speakers recalled his dedication to the welfare of the poor and vulnerable and described his legacy as a source of inspiration for society beyond regional boundaries.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Information and Public Relations Department Hemant Sharma delivered the welcome address, while Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya proposed the vote of thanks.
The programme was attended by a large number of guests, intellectuals and media representatives.
