Jai Jagannath!
Jai Jagannath!
My colleagues in the Union Cabinet, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan ji, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw ji, President of the Odia Samaj, Shri Siddharth Pradhan ji, other officials of the Odia Samaj, all artists from Odisha, other dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen!
My Namaskar and Juhar to all my brothers and sisters of Odisha. I am proud to be part of the grand celebration of Odisha’s culture, Odisha Parba 2024. Meeting you all brings me great joy.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you and the people of Odisha on the occasion of Odisha Parba. This year also marks the centenary of the death anniversary of Swabhaba Kabi Gangadhar Meher. On this occasion, I pay homage to him. I also respectfully remember Bhakta Dasia Bauri ji, Bhakta Salabega ji, and Shri Jagannath Das ji, the composer of the Odia Bhagabata. Odisha has played a significant role in keeping Bharat alive through its cultural diversity.
Friends,
Odisha has always been a land of saints and scholars. The way Odisha's scholars brought sacred texts like the Mahabharata and the Odia Bhagabata to every household in simple language and connected people with the wisdom of sages has greatly enriched Bharat’s cultural heritage. A vast literature about Lord Jagannath ji is available in the Odia language. One tale of Lord Jagannath that I always remember is when the Lord stepped out of His temple and personally led a battle. On His way to the battlefield, He ate curd served by His devotee, Manika Gauduni. This story teaches us profound lessons. It reminds us that if we act with pure intentions, the Lord Himself leads us. In every situation, we must remember that we are never alone. We are always “plus one,” as God is with us.
Friends,
Odisha's saint-poet Bhima Bhoi said, मो जीवन पछे नर्के पडिथाउ जगत उद्धार हेउ। meaning ‘Let my life fall into misery if it ensures the salvation of the world.’ This spirit embodies Odisha’s culture. Odisha has always served the nation and humanity in every era. The holy Puri Dham has strengthened the concept of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India). Odisha’s brave sons contributed significantly to Bharat’s freedom struggle. We can never repay the debt owed to the martyrs of the Paika Rebellion. My government had the privilege of issuing a commemorative postal stamp and coin on the Paika Rebellion.
Friends,
The entire country is remembering the contributions of Utkal Keshari Harekrushna Mahatab. We are celebrating his 125th birth anniversary on a grand scale. Odisha has provided the nation with remarkable leadership throughout history. Today, Odisha’s daughter, Droupadi Murmu ji, from the tribal community, serves as the President of Bharat—a matter of immense pride for us all. Her leadership has inspired thousands of crores worth of welfare initiatives for tribal communities across Bharat, benefiting not only Odisha but the entire tribal society of Bharat.
Friends,
Odisha is the land of Maa Subhadra, symbolizing ‘Nari Shakti’ (women’s power) and potential. Odisha will progress when its women progress. That’s why, I launched the Subhadra Yojana for the mothers and sisters of Odisha just a few days ago, which will greatly benefit the women of the state. Let the nation know about these great sons of Utkal and draw inspiration from their lives. This is why such events hold immense importance.
Friends,
Utkal has historically expanded Bharat’s maritime prowess. Just yesterday, the grand Bali Jatra concluded in Odisha. This year too, its grand celebration was held on the banks of the Mahanadi in Cuttack, starting from Kartik Purnima on November 15. Bali Jatra is a symbol of Bharat’s and Odisha's maritime prowess. Hundreds of years ago, even without the advanced technology that we have today, the sailors of this land displayed remarkable courage by crossing the seas. Our traders travelled to places like Bali, Sumatra, and Java in Indonesia using ships. Through these voyages, not only trade but cultural exchanges also took place. Today, Odisha's maritime strength plays a vital role in achieving the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
Friends,
The unwavering efforts of the past ten years have instilled new hope for Odisha’s future. The unprecedented blessings from the people of Odisha in 2024 have added momentum to this vision. We have envisioned great dreams and set ambitious goals. By 2036, as Odisha celebrates its centenary of statehood, we aim to make Odisha one of the strongest, wealthiest, and fastest-growing states in the country.
Friends,
There was a time when eastern Bharat, including Odisha, was labelled backward. However, I see the eastern region as the growth engine for Bharat’s development. Hence, the development of eastern Bharat has been our priority. Whether it is connectivity, healthcare, or education, we have accelerated work in every area of eastern Bharat. Compared to a decade ago, the central government now allocates three times the budget for Odisha’s development. This year’s allocation is 30% higher than the previous year’s. We are committed to working swiftly in every sector for Odisha’s progress.
Friends,
Odisha holds immense potential for port-based industrial development. Therefore, the development of ports like Dhamra, Gopalpur, Astaranga, Palur, and Subarnarekha will be prioritized to boost trade in the region. Odisha is also Bharat’s mining and metal powerhouse, strengthening its position in the steel, aluminium, and energy sectors. By focusing on these sectors, we can open new doors to prosperity in Odisha.
Friends,
Odisha's fertile land produces cashews, jute, cotton, turmeric, and oilseeds in abundance. Our goal is to ensure these products reach larger markets, benefiting our farmer brothers and sisters. There is also significant potential for expanding Odisha's seafood processing industry. We aim to establish Odisha Seafood as a global brand in high demand.
Friends,
We are working to make Odisha one of the most preferred destinations for investors. Our government is committed to enhancing the ease of doing business in the state. Through initiatives like ‘Utkarsh Utkal’, investment is being promoted. Within the first 100 days of forming the new government, Odisha approved investments worth 45,000 crore rupees. Today, Odisha has both a vision and a roadmap. This will not only attract investments but also create new employment opportunities. I wholeheartedly congratulate Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Manjhi ji and his team for these efforts.
Friends,
By utilizing Odisha's potential in the right direction, we can take it to new heights of development. I am of the view that Odisha's strategic location is a significant advantage. It provides easy access to both domestic and international markets, making it an important hub for trade with East and Southeast Asia. Odisha’s role in global value chains will grow significantly in the future. Our government is also working towards increasing exports from the state.
Friends,
There are enormous opportunities to promote urbanization in Odisha. Our government is taking concrete steps in this direction. We are committed to building more dynamic and well-connected cities. We are also exploring possibilities in Tier 2 cities of Odisha. In particular, the districts of Western Odisha will see new infrastructure development, creating fresh opportunities.
Friends,
Odisha is emerging as a beacon of hope for students across the country in the field of higher education. With several national and international institutions, the state is poised to take the lead in the education sector. These efforts are also fostering the growth of the start-up ecosystem in the state.
Friends,
Odisha has always been special due to its rich cultural heritage. Odisha’s art forms captivate and inspire everyone. Be it Odissi dance or the paintings, the state is brimming with artistic excellence. The tribal art of Saura painting and the craftsmanship of Sambalpuri, Bomkai, and Kotpad weavers are equally remarkable. The more we promote these art forms and crafts, the more we honour the skilled Odia artisans who preserve and enrich this legacy.
Friends,
Odisha boasts an immense heritage of architecture and science. The Sun Temple at Konark, with its grandeur and scientific brilliance, and the ancient temples like Lingaraj and Mukteshwar with their architectural splendour, leave everyone awestruck. When people see these marvels today, they are compelled to wonder how advanced Odisha's knowledge of science was centuries ago.
Friends,
Odisha is a land of boundless potential for tourism. To realize this potential, we need to work on multiple dimensions. You can see that both in Odisha and at the national level, we have governments that respect and celebrate Odisha's heritage and identity. Last year, during the G-20 summit, we showcased the majestic Sun Temple to global leaders and diplomats, highlighting its significance. I am also pleased that all four gates of the Mahaprabhu Jagannath Temple have now been opened, including the Ratna Bhandar.
Friends,
We need to take many innovative steps to make Odisha’s identity known globally. For instance, we can declare a Bali Jatra Day and promote it on international platforms. Similarly, we can initiate an Odissi Day to celebrate the classical Odissi dance form. New traditions can be started to celebrate various tribal heritages, including organizing special events in schools and colleges. This will raise awareness, create opportunities in tourism and small industries. Soon, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will also be held in Bhubaneswar attracting people from across the world. This will be the first time Odisha will host the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. It presents a remarkable opportunity for the state.
Friends,
In many places, changing times have caused people to forget their mother tongue and culture. However, I have observed that the Odia community, no matter where they live, remains deeply connected to their language, culture, and festivals. The power of one's mother tongue and cultural roots keeps us connected to our heritage. Recently, I witnessed this spirit in Guyana, South America. Despite migrating over 200 years ago, hundreds of workers carried the Ramcharitmanas and the name of Lord Ram with them, preserving their bond with Bharat. When development progresses alongside the preservation of such heritage, its benefits reach everyone. This is how we can elevate Odisha to new heights.
Friends,
In this modern era, we must embrace contemporary changes while strengthening our roots. Events like Odisha Parba can serve as a medium for this. I hope that in the coming years, this event grows even further, transcending its current boundaries in Delhi. We should ensure greater participation from schools, colleges, and people across states. It’s crucial for people from other states to learn about Odisha and experience its culture closely. I am confident that the vibrance of Odisha Parba will reach every corner of the country in the near future, becoming a powerful platform for collective participation. With this sentiment, I once again congratulate all of you.
Thank you very much!
Jai Jagannath!
