Bhubaneswar, April 1: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on behalf of the people of Odisha, for his heartfelt wishes on Utkal Dibasa, the foundation day of Odisha and said, “your words have resonated deeply with every Odia heart.”
For the context, in a message addressed to CM Majhi on the occasion of Utkal Dibasa today, the Prime Minister lauded Odisha's rich cultural heritage, spiritual depth, and the resilience of its people.
Expressing gratitude to the PM, Majhi said “Your enduring bond with Odisha has always been a source of inspiration for us.”
“Honorable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, on this auspicious occasion of Utkal Diwas, I extend my deepest gratitude to you on behalf of the people of Odisha for your heartfelt wishes and your eloquent recognition of our state's glorious history and civilization heritage. Your words have resonated deeply with every Odia heart,” wrote Majhi on ‘X’.
Highlighting PM Modi’s enduring bond with Odisha, Makhi wrote, “The cultural kinship you have drawn between Gujarat and Odisha, through the shared legacy of the Sun Temples and the sacred tradition of Rath Yatra, speaks to the civilizational threads that unite our great nation. Your personal participation in the Pahandi ritual during the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra stands as a living testament to this cherished cultural unity.”
The CM also highlighted that Central Government's steadfast support for Odisha's development under PM’s visionary leadership has been transformative.
“The record allocation of ₹10,600 crore for the railway sector in 2025–26, combined with a focused thrust on port-led development, is poised to establish Odisha as a premier maritime and industrial hub. Your acknowledgment of our government's commitment to empowering over one crore women through the Subhadra Yojana and nurturing Lakhpati Didis is a profound encouragement to our Nari Shakti movement,” wrote the CM.
“As Odisha stands on the threshold of completing 100 years as a distinct and proud State, we renew our resolve to advance your vision of Viksit Odisha for Viksit Bharat. The preservation of Odia Asmita, our language, our culture, and our identity, remains the cornerstone of our governance,” asserted the CM.
The CM further wrote, “With the divine blessings of Lord Jagannath and the collective will of our people, Odisha shall scale new heights of prosperity and progress. We are committed to walking this path of development in full partnership with the Government of India.”
Notably, describing Odisha as a land of "civilizational heritage," the Prime Minister in a message to the CM said the State's glorious history, vibrant traditions, and artistic excellence continue to inspire admiration. He highlighted iconic landmarks such as the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri, Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, and the Konark Sun Temple as enduring symbols of India's spiritual and architectural grandeur.
The Prime Minister also praised Odisha's cultural expressions, noting that Odissi dance has earned global recognition, while traditions like Pattachitra art reflect the State's exceptional craftsmanship. He emphasized the unique contribution of tribal communities and the deep spiritual ethos reflected in Odisha's festivals, music, and folk practices.
Paying tribute to legendary figures from the State, including freedom fighters and social reformers, the Prime Minister underscored their lasting impact on India’s history.
"I can say with full conviction that the real greatness of Odisha lies in its people. Everyone knows about the courage of Buxi Jagabandhu and Veer Surendra Sai. Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo, Madhusudan Das, Gopabandhu Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Gangadhar Meher, Harekrushna Mahatab, Malati Choudhury, Sarala Devi, Parbati Giri, and countless other great personalities have left an indelible mark on our history," wrote PM Modi.
In particular, the Prime Minister hailed legendary leader Biju Patnaik as a towering personality, describing his life as a symbol of courage, strength, and unwavering commitment to nation-building.
"Biju Babu’s multifaceted personality continues to inspire generations," wrote the Prime Minister.
