Bhubaneswar, Ap 1: On the occasion of Utkal Divas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The letter, spanning four pages, expresses appreciation for the rich Odia heritage, prosperous traditions, and the state's historical legacy.
In the letter, PM Modi also lauds the achievements of Odisha, including the success of the Subhadra Yojana and the state’s significant progress in overcoming challenges like Maoist insurgency. He acknowledges the leadership and bravery of Biju Patnaik, referring to him as a towering figure whose legacy continues to inspire the people of Odisha.
Additionally, Modi reflects on his interactions with the people of Odisha during his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, emphasizing the strong bond between the two regions. The Prime Minister's letter highlights the state's role in India’s development journey and the importance of continued growth and prosperity for Odisha in the coming years.
He wrote.....
"On the special occasion of Utkal Divas, I extend my heartfelt greetings to you and my dear brothers and sisters of Odisha. Odisha, with its glorious history, is a place where anyone would be amazed by the people and the culture. The Odia culture is a testament to civilization and heritage. Odisha has a mystical power that captivates everyone. Most importantly, we have the prestigious temples such as Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Konark Sun Temple, and many more that continue to stand tall with pride. There are numerous temples dedicated to Goddess across the state. Odisha presents a unique blend of devotion and artistic excellence. The Odissi dance, among others, has earned immense popularity, not just in India but globally. The rich tradition of music, festivals, and folk customs of Odisha reflects a society deeply rooted in spiritual values.
The tribal community of Odisha adds an unmatched uniqueness to the state. Odisha's art and craft, including the famous Pattachitra, are globally recognized. I can confidently say that the true greatness of Odisha lies with its people. Everyone knows about the bravery of Buxi Jagabandhu and Veer Surendra Sai. Our history has been shaped by illustrious personalities such as Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati, Madhusudan Das, Gopabandhu Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Gangadhar Meher, Harekrishna Mahatab, Malati Choudhury, Sarala Devi, Parbati Giri, and many others, who have left indelible marks on our legacy. Great leaders like Biju Patnaik were born on this soil. His life is a symbol of extraordinary power, courage, and unwavering dedication to nation-building. Biju Babu's personality has inspired all of us.
Odia people have made significant contributions in various fields, including business, commerce, education, sports, and arts. During my tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, I had the opportunity to interact with many people from Odisha, and I always noticed their deep sense of pride in their heritage. Odisha and Gujarat share many similarities. Both have iconic Sun Temples (in Konark and Modhera) and grand Rath Yatra celebrations.
My connection with Odisha continues after taking office as Prime Minister. I consider it my privilege and blessing, with the divine blessings of Lord Jagannath that I have had the opportunity to contribute to the progress and prosperity of Odisha. This year, Odisha has received unprecedented allocations for rail and road development. For 2025-26, Odisha's railway allocation has increased to ₹10,600 crore, compared to ₹838 crore annually between 2009-2014. These initiatives have provided a new momentum to connectivity and logistics, and are hovering to enhance Odisha's potential as a global tourist destination.
The state has also focused on the development of its tribal communities, empowering them with enhanced living standards. Through programs like the Prime Minister's Janman Yojana, we are ensuring that the poorest and weakest sections of society have access to basic necessities and opportunities for growth. The NDA government is also supporting Odisha’s development as a major maritime and industrial hub with projects in Paradip, Gopalpur, and the construction of LNG terminals and river-based shipping in the Mahanadi.
Odisha’s vibrant fishing industry is gaining increasing recognition. I recently spoke about one of Odisha’s fishermen in the "Man Ki Baat" program. Furthermore, Odisha is poised to become a significant player in the semiconductor industry, with emerging opportunities in high-tech manufacturing and production.
The state has witnessed tremendous progress in recent years, and I am proud of the efforts made by the people and government of Odisha. They continue to inspire confidence in the fulfillment of their dreams. I also commend the successful implementation of women empowerment initiatives like the Subhadra Yojana, which has benefited over 10 million women. These efforts have led to increased self-confidence, financial assistance, and social recognition for women across the state.
Odisha is an example of progress, with immense investments and employment opportunities paving the way for its future. It continues to contribute to India's development in various sectors, including education, culture, and technology. The unity between Odisha and the central government is a vital factor in shaping a prosperous future for the state.
As we look toward the next decade, I am confident that Odisha will continue to thrive, with Lord Jagannath's blessings and the collective strength and aspirations of its people guiding the way forward. Let us all reflect on the progress of Odisha and contribute further to its development. Once again, my heartfelt greetings on Utkal Divas. With the blessings of Lord Jagannath and the strength of the people, Odisha will achieve new milestones of prosperity. Together, we will continue to march towards a brighter future for India and Odisha."
Jai Jagannath!
