TNI Bureau: The state-level celebration of Odisha Day 2026 was held at Suando village in Satyabadi, Puri district, the birthplace of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, marking a tribute to one of Odisha’s greatest sons. The event commemorated 91 years since Odisha became a separate state.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized that hosting Odisha Day celebrations at the birthplaces of eminent leaders aims to connect people, especially the youth, with their legacy of sacrifice and service.
Last year’s celebration was held at the birthplace of Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das.
The Chief Minister began his visit by paying homage at Gopabandhu Das’s ancestral home and offering prayers at the shrine of Lord Radha Binod Bihari, the family deity. He also garlanded the statue of Utkalmani at Gopabandhu Park and visited the Gopabandhu Museum before attending a public meeting at Utkalmani Gopabandhu Memorial College in Sakhigopal.
In his address, CM Majhi asserted that “no force can stop the progress of the Odia people,” expressing confidence that Odisha would emerge as a growth engine for the nation and enhance India’s global stature. He described Gopabandhu Das as a shining example of how an ordinary individual, through dedication and service, can achieve extraordinary greatness.
Highlighting development initiatives, the Chief Minister announced a comprehensive ₹585 crore plan for the redevelopment of the Satyabadi region, including ₹495 crore for area development and ₹90 crore for the restoration of the historic Bakul Bana. The projects aim to transform the region into a cultural, spiritual, and educational hub, along with the creation of a heritage corridor.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to preserving Odia identity, Majhi stressed that a nation’s strength lies in its cultural identity. “Without identity, a nation is like a machine without a soul,” he said, adding that language, literature, and culture will remain central to the state’s development agenda.
The Chief Minister also outlined ambitious plans for Puri, including the establishment of a World Tourism Centre and a cruise terminal. He said the entire district would be developed into a major tourism and economic hub, supported by projects like the Shree Jagannath Museum, heritage restoration, and the development of the Shree Kshetra.
Infrastructure development received major focus, with ongoing national highway projects worth ₹80,000 crore and proposals for key expressways, including a 287-km Berhampur–Jeypore road and the Atal Expressway connecting Malkangiri to Mayurbhanj. Plans are also underway for multiple airports, heliports, ports, and a mega shipbuilding cluster in Kendrapara.
On economic growth, Majhi stated that Odisha is targeting a $500 billion economy by 2036 and $1.5 trillion by 2047. He noted that 109 projects worth ₹2.4 lakh crore have already been grounded, generating over 1.76 lakh jobs.
Announcing a new welfare initiative, the Chief Minister introduced the “Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana,” aimed at empowering girls from economically weaker families through financial support for education.
The Chief Minister also thanked the President of India for approving the prestigious ‘President’s Colour Award’ for Odisha Police on its 91st foundation day.
The event was attended by Puri MP Dr. Sambit Patra, Brahmagiri MLA Upasna Mohapatra, Satyabadi MLA Om Prakash Mishra, Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattanayak, and other dignitaries.
