Bhubaneswar, July 28: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today said Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati’s message and ideals would be taken to villages across Odisha during his birth centenary year, beginning on August 21, through seminars, workshops and public outreach programmes, including events at universities across the country.

The Chief Minister announced this while attending the launch of the book Vedanta Kesari Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati: Kruti O Byaktitwa (Vedanta Kesari Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati: Works and Personality) at the Railway Auditorium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

The event highlighted the life, ideals and contributions of Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati, with speakers describing his sacrifice, service to tribal communities and dedication to the nation as an enduring source of inspiration for future generations.

The Chief Minister said that the biography of a great personality is not merely a record of past events but also serves as a guiding force for the youth.

He stated that Swami Lakshmanananda's lifelong commitment to the welfare of marginalised communities, his service to tribal people and his efforts to strengthen national consciousness would continue to enrich India's cultural heritage.

The Chief Minister announced that the newly released book would be made available in school and college libraries and added that Swami Lakshmanananda's life story would also find a place in school and college textbooks.

Majhi described Swami Lakshmanananda as more than a monk, saying he was a protector of the tribal communities of Kandhamal and a symbol of spiritual awakening.

He said the Swami worked through the Chakapada and Jaleshpata Ashrams to educate and empower tribal girls while also raising his voice against illegal religious conversions, cow slaughter and activities he described as anti-national.

Highlighting the state government's initiatives to preserve the Swami's legacy, the Chief Minister said the Government Medical College and Hospital at Phulbani had been named after Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati.

He further announced that ₹13 crore had been sanctioned for preserving the heritage of the Jaleshpata Ashram, constructing a 300-seat girls' hostel and improving water supply and other infrastructure, with work expected to commence soon.

Referring to the 2008 Janmashtami night killing of Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati, the Chief Minister criticised the previous government, alleging administrative failure and appeasement politics.

He stated that the disappearance of the Justice Naidu Commission report and related files from Lok Seva Bhavan was not an ordinary lapse but part of a deliberate conspiracy.

He informed the gathering that the Crime Branch had been entrusted with investigating the missing files and asserted that the truth would be uncovered. He also assured that the state government would not spare those actually responsible for the murder.

Delivering the keynote address, RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale described Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati as a great personality who devoted his life to protecting and promoting Dharma.

He said the Swami was not merely an individual but a powerful force who dedicated himself to cow protection, spiritual service and the welfare of society.

Hosabale urged people to follow the ideals and path shown by the Swami in their own lives.

Former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailed Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati as a great freedom fighter, revolutionary and a leading figure of the Garjat movement.

He praised the Swami's contribution to the security and development of present-day Kandhamal district, particularly his efforts in promoting women's education and self-reliance among all sections of society.

 Pradhan said the Swami's ideals would continue to guide Odisha's progress and contribute to the vision of a developed India.