Odisha celebrated its 87th Foundation Day on Friday, popularly known as ‘Utkal Divas’ or Odisha Day. Every year on 1 April commemorates the struggle that went into securing separate statehood and recognition.
In 1936, Odisha became the first state to achieve statehood on the basis of language. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik gave a virtual address and paid tribute to the leaders who played a vital role in the formation of a separate Odisha.
Addressing the people, Patnaik said, “Our economic progress is going very well. Poverty has decreased. Odisha has done an excellent job in the country in reducing unemployment. Odisha has become a major industrial state.”
Patnaik also tweeted, “Heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all on the occasion of Odisha Day. On this occasion, I pay homage to the distinguished leaders of the formation of a separate Odisha State. Let us continue to strengthen our joint efforts for the prosperity of Odisha while maintaining the dignity of the Odia community. Fellow Utkal Janani.”
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan among others congratulated the people of the state.
Kovind said that the state has given a message of peace and love to the world. “My greetings to the people of the state, on Odisha Day. The land of temples of Jagannath, Lingaraja, Konark and other rich heritage, Odisha gave a message of peace and love to the world, away from violence. My best wishes for the progress of the state.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Greetings to the people of Odisha, on the special occasion of Utkal Divas. Odia people are making historical contribution to the progress of India and Odia culture is admired globally. I pray for the development of Odisha in the times to come.”
Governor Lal remembered those who played an important role in the formation of the state and called for strengthening its culture and heritage. Lal also launched a music video titled ‘Utkal Janani’ at the Raj Bhavan.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Utkal Diwas was celebrated in lesser manner in the last two years. But, this year, the capital Bhubaneswar and the state assembly were illuminated and the day was marked with several meetings and public events. The day was also celebrated at the Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar.
Surya Narayan Patra, Speaker of Odisha Legislative Assembly, Information and Public Relations Minister Raghunandan Das, Ministers Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi, Ashok Panda and other dignitaries attended the state level function at the exhibition ground.
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