TNI Bureau: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the fourth evening of the five-day National Tribal Festival Parab 2025 at Shaheed Laxman Nayak Manch in Koraput. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that Parab, being celebrated since 1996, has played a significant role in preserving and promoting the rich art, culture, traditions, and heritage of Koraput while fostering social unity and showcasing hidden talents.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced development projects worth ₹545 crore for Koraput district. A total of 86 projects were launched, including the inauguration of 16 projects worth ₹24 crore and the foundation stone laying of 70 projects worth ₹521 crore. These projects cover sectors such as irrigation, healthcare, small industries, urban hostels, roads, bridges, Mission Shakti buildings, forest protection committee buildings, and additional classrooms. He said these initiatives would accelerate the district’s overall development.
Paying tributes to Shaheed Laxman Nayak and other freedom fighters of the district, the Chief Minister described Koraput as a region blessed with natural beauty and known worldwide for its peaceful, simple, and loving social fabric. He highlighted Koraput’s unique identity through its coffee, black rice, and Kotpad handloom sarees, which have gained recognition nationally and internationally.
The Chief Minister also noted Koraput’s prominence in millet cultivation under the Shri Anna Abhiyan, with millet farming currently being undertaken on about 72,000 hectares. He appreciated the contribution of leading woman farmer and millet conservationist Dr. Raimati Ghiuria. Reiterating the government’s development philosophy of “Development with Heritage,” he affirmed the state government’s commitment to the socio-economic progress of the region and advised farmers to adopt allied activities such as fisheries, dairy, poultry, and duck farming.
During the event, the Chief Minister unveiled a special Parab jacket and a video song dedicated to the festival.
Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said Koraput’s tribal culture is extremely rich and emphasized collective responsibility in preserving and promoting it. ST & SC Development Minister Nityananda Gond stated that Parab has given Koraput a distinct identity by revitalizing its culture, traditions, and heritage.
Among others present were Koraput MP Saptagiri Ulaka, Nabarangpur MP Balabhadra Majhi, Pottangi MLA Ramchandra Kadam, Kotpad MLA Rupu Bhatra, and Laxmipur MLA Pabitra Saunta. They said that after Bali Jatra, Parab has significantly enhanced Odisha’s national and international image and thanked the Chief Minister for attending the festival.
Koraput Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan delivered the welcome address, while Koraput MLA Raghuram Machh proposed the vote of thanks.
