Bhubaneswar, Dec 28: The birth places of legendary sons of Odisha will be converted to model villages which will inspire the future generations, the State Cabinet decided on Monday.

Their birth and death anniversaries will be celebrated with appropriate honour and respect.  This will be a humble tribute to the great sons of the soil. 

Discussing on protection of the culture, heritage and tradition of Odisha the members said that Odisha has many great personalities who have immensely contributed to our art, literature and culture and worked for the protection of our unique identity.  The Odia people are greatly indebted to these great sons of our state who have glorified our identity since ages.  They are our true source of inspirations.  They have made significant contribution to various epoch making events in our history starting from the Paika Bidroha to the Freedom Movement, to the formation of separate province of Odisha and the development of modern Odisha.

It is our obligation to keep their memories alive with every generation and make the future generation learn about their contribution for building a great Odisha.  This is a continuous process. With the advent of the digital and social media, appropriate steps will be taken for introduction of their life and works in the text books after suitable considerations.

The entire history of our glorious heritage and the life history of our great sons from ancient times till the modern age will find place in text books and additional text books.  These topics will be selected by a special process for Class-7, 8 and 9.  Winning students on various competitions on these topics will be awarded, and they will also be given annual scholarships.  A committee of eminent persons and educationists will be formed for this.