Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced plans to establish a Chhau Dance Academy and Cultural Research Centre in the Mayurbhanj district, considering the popularity of Chhau dance in the region.
Chief Minister made this announcement during the inaugural ceremony of Mayurbhanj Utsav at Utkal Mandap in Bhubaneswar.
According to a release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Majhi paid tribute to Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo of Mayurbhanj on his 150th birth anniversary and acknowledged the significant contributions made by the royal family of Mayurbhanj during the British era, including various developmental works.
“Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo’s progressive vision transformed Mayurbhanj into one of the most advanced districts in the country during the British era. The esteemed SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, a beacon of medical excellence in eastern India, owes its storied legacy to the visionary Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo”, said Majhi.
“The Bhanj royal family of Mayurbhanj contributed significantly to the establishment and functioning of Ravenshaw College. Additionally, the renowned Purnachandra Odia Bhashakosha, compiled by Gopal Chandra Praharaj, was made possible through the efforts of Maharaja Purnna Chandra Bhanj Deo of Mayurbhanj”, maintained Majhi.
He further stated that Mayurbhanj district’s illustrious daughter, President Droupadi Murmu, has served the country with distinction, elevating the pride and glory of Mayurbhanj and Odisha as a whole. The district is proud to be the birthplace of many eminent personalities, including poets, artists, leaders, athletes, and educationists, who have contributed significantly to Odisha’s prestige.
Considering the popularity of the Chhau dance in Mayurbhanj and the demand from the residents, the Chief Minister has announced plans to establish a Chhau Dance Academy and Cultural Research Centre in the district.
“Mayurbhanj district is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich art, culture, and heritage, which have earned national and international acclaim. The district’s lush green forests, including the Similipal National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, are home to various flora and fauna, including the rare white tiger. The district is also dotted with several small and big waterfalls, including Debkund, Bhimkund, Sitakund, and Kuchei, which are popular tourist destinations. The temples of Goddess Kichakeshwari and Lord Jagannath in Baripada also attract devotees and tourists from across the country and abroad,” said CM.
Given the district’s popularity as a tourist destination, the Chief Minister announced plans to develop the Budhabalanga River Front in Baripada at an investment of Rs 60 crore, modelled after the Sabarmati River Front in Gujarat.
The Chief Minister stated that Mayurbhanj is also famous for its unique tribal heritage, which sets it apart from others. He highlighted Pandit RaghunatMurmu’s significant contribution to the Santali language and literature, which is unforgettable.
Majhi also mentioned that the new government has decided to introduce Santali language education in the state, following the implementation of the new education policy.
The Chief Minister stated that the government is continuously working to provide basic amenities like education, health, infrastructure, and transportation to the people of Mayurbhanj district. In December, the President laid the foundation stone for three railway projects worth Rs 6294 crore in the district.
He further said “The state government is working to make each district an industrial hub. In Mayurbhanj, an agreement has been signed with GM Iron and Steel Company for an iron plant, and another agreement has been signed with IMFA for an ethanol project. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that more industries will come to the district in the future, creating more employment opportunities and strengthening the economy of Mayurbhanj.”
In the programme, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, said that Mayurbhanj is a district of art and culture, a district of nature. It’s the time to utilize Mayurbhanj’s natural resources. The Chief Minister is keen on improving the economic condition of the people of Mayurbhanj. Let us all work together to develop this district and contribute to the Chief Minister’s vision of a prosperous Odisha.
Minister of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Ganesh R Singhkhuntia, said that Mayurbhanj has a distinct identity in the history of Odisha. This festival is a celebration of pride and glory for every Mayurbhanjiya. He appealed to everyone to work together to take Mayurbhanj’s identity to the global stage.
In the program, former Minister and Maharaja of Mayurbhanj Praveen Chandra Bhanjdeo, and former MP and MLA Birendra Singh also expressed their views. Chief Minister’s wife, Dr Priyanka Marandi, was also present on the occasion.
