Bhubaneswar: Odisha stepped into its 91st year of statehood on Wednesday, with the state-level celebration of Odisha Day held at Suando village, the birthplace of Pandit Gopabandhu Das.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the government has initiated a tradition of organising Odisha Day events at the birthplaces of eminent personalities to connect the youth with their legacy and inspire them through their contributions.
Upon his arrival, the Chief Minister visited Gopabandhu Das’s ancestral home, paid obeisance at Lord Radha Binod Bihari, offered floral tributes at Gopabandhu Park, and toured the Gopabandhu Museum before attending a public meeting at Utkalmani Gopabandhu Smruti Mahavidyalaya in Sakhigopal.
Addressing the gathering, Majhi asserted that the “Odia race” is poised for a new phase of growth and prosperity, expressing confidence that the state will emerge as a key growth engine for India. He described Gopabandhu Das as a national inspiration whose sacrifices shaped the destiny of the people of Odisha.
Highlighting heritage development, the Chief Minister announced a ₹585 crore project for the development of Satyabadi Bana Bidyalaya and surrounding areas. Of this, ₹90 crore will be spent on reviving the historic Bakulbana as a cultural and educational hub, while ₹495 crore will go towards redevelopment of the Satyabadi region, including a heritage corridor.
Emphasising cultural identity, Majhi said the state government remains committed to preserving and promoting Odia language, literature, and traditions. Referring to Lord Jagannath as the spiritual anchor of Odias, he reiterated plans to develop Puri as a global religious and tourism destination.
A world-class Shri Jagannath Museum and Library will be established in Puri at an estimated cost of ₹1,000 crore. Restoration of heritage sites such as Gundicha Temple, Emar Math, and Raghunandan Library has also been planned. The proposed Shamuka project, spread over 1,500 acres, aims to transform Puri into a premier international tourism hub.
The Chief Minister further announced plans for a World Tourism Centre, a cruise terminal, and an airport in Puri, along with the expansion of the Bhubaneswar-Puri National Highway. Chilika Lake will also be developed into a world-class ecotourism destination.
On infrastructure, Majhi said national highway projects worth nearly ₹80,000 crore are underway in the state. Key upcoming projects include a ₹9,000 crore Brahmapur–Jeypore road, the Namo Expressway from Paralakhemundi to Ambabhona, and the 969-km Atal Expressway connecting Motu in Malkangiri to Tiring in Mayurbhanj.
He also announced major industrial and maritime initiatives, including a ₹25,000 crore shipbuilding cluster in Kendrapara and a ₹22,000 crore satellite port project at Bahuda in Ganjam district.
Reviewing achievements, the Chief Minister said 109 projects worth ₹2.40 lakh crore have been grounded over the past two years, generating around 1.76 lakh jobs. He reiterated the state’s long-term economic vision of achieving a $500 billion economy by 2036 and $1.5 trillion by 2047.
Announcing a new welfare initiative, the Chief Minister launched the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangal Yojana, under which ₹20,000 will be deposited for girls from economically weaker families at birth, with ₹1.01 lakh to be provided upon graduation to encourage higher education.
In the healthcare sector, he said 4,000 doctor posts have been filled, with 5,000 more to be recruited. Plans are also underway to establish three new Ayurvedic colleges in Gajapati, Malkangiri, and Rayagada, and two homeopathic colleges in Nayagarh and Nuapada.
Majhi also conveyed gratitude to Droupadi Murmu and Narendra Modi for their messages on the occasion and thanked the President for conferring the prestigious President’s Colour Award on Odisha Police during its 91st foundation year.
Prominent leaders present included Puri MP Sambit Patra and several local legislators and officials.
