Bhubaneswar, September 29: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday visited the Dhauli Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) located on the outskirts of the city and said he felt proud to be at the historical site.
Odia Language, Literature & Culture Minister Suryabasnhi Suraj, Bhubaneswar-Ekamra MLA babu Singh and former Odisha unit BJP president Samir Mohanty accompanied the Union Minister to the Buddhist heritage site.
Pradhan also offered prayers and sought blessings of Lord Shiva at the Shiva Temple on the premises of the historical site.
“Our ancestors fought at this very land in the Kalinga war. I feel proud to be here, especially on the eight day of Navratri. The foundation of New Odisha will be laid with the development of this area,” said Pradhan.
Pradhan said, "The Shanti Stupa is the symbol of Odia identity, self-respect, and valor. It was in this sacred land that the great Kalinga War was fought in 261 BC. Our ancestors displayed indomitable courage on this soil and fought until their last breath. The importance and heritage of this land are unparalleled.”
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "Purvodaya"mission paves the way for a developed Odisha and a developed India, and we all must strive to prepare it on the foundation of the heritage of the Kalinga Empire,” said Pradhan.
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