Bhubaneswar: Odisha paid tribute to Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deb, a towering figure in the state’s history, during his state-level birth anniversary celebration at Jaydev Bhawan.
Organized by the Information and Public Relations Department and the Paralakhemundi Gajapati Development Forum, Bhubaneswar, the event highlighted the Maharaja’s monumental contributions as a visionary ruler, patriot, and architect of modern Odisha.
Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhi, the chief guest, lauded Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati as a benevolent leader whose efforts unified Odia-speaking regions and led to the formation of a separate Odisha province.
“He was a literature enthusiast, a just ruler, and a people’s leader who revived the Odia language and envisioned progress through unity,” she said.
As the first Prime Minister of independent Odisha, his two tenures saw transformative public welfare and developmental initiatives. Padhi noted that his principle of a king existing for the people guided his life’s work. She also announced that, starting this year, his birth anniversary is being officially celebrated across Odisha’s 30 districts, urging Odias to unite in realizing his dream of a prosperous state.
Chief speaker Saroj Kumar Samal, a retired administrator and scholar, described the Maharaja as a ruler dedicated to the nation and its people. Upon ascending the throne, he vowed to use the royal treasury solely for public benefit, not personal luxury. His landmark speech at the 1914 Utkal Sammilani in Paralakhemundi galvanized the movement for Odisha’s unification, laying the foundation for a separate province. “His contributions to education, infrastructure, and industry ensure his eternal place in Odia hearts,” Samal said.
Deba Prasad Dash, Director of the Information and Public Relations Department, presided over the event, emphasizing the Maharaja’s unique role among Utkal Divas icons. “As a wise politician, education enthusiast, and people-centric ruler, his legacy is etched in Odisha’s history,” he said. Biswajit Nath Padhi, President of the Paralakhemundi Gajapati Development Forum, delivered the vote of thanks.
The event began with floral tributes to the Maharaja’s portrait, followed by a devotional music performance by artists from Bhakti Sangeet Sansad, Paralakhemundi. Public Relations Officer Rozalin Sahu coordinated the program, which saw participation from senior officials, including Surendranath Parida, Santosh Kumar Das, intellectuals, students, and media representatives.
