Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the Gonasika-Keonjhar Mahotsav 2025 on Friday evening.
To begin with, he stressed the festival’s role in fostering brotherhood and outlined bold plans to place Odisha among India’s top five developed states by 2036.
Meanwhile, the three-day cultural extravaganza kicked off at the foothills of sacred Gonasika. It celebrates tribal heritage, folk arts, and traditions. During his address, Majhi described the event as a “platform for cultural continuity” that honours ancestors and inspires youth to embrace their roots.
“Festivals like this create unity in diversity – the mantra of Indian culture,” Majhi said. Furthermore, he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for reviving cultural pride. “Today, every citizen proudly declares their place in this glorious heritage,” he added.
Moving on, Majhi highlighted the government’s aggressive push for growth. He termed it the “yajna of Odisha’s reconstruction.” The state has allocated over Rs 65,000 crore to connect every district with rail and high-quality roads.
By 2027, under ‘Mission Power,’ every village will have all-weather roads, 24-hour electricity, and piped drinking water. “Odisha is marching on the path of rapid development. By 2036, we will secure a place among the top five states. This is our commitment,” Majhi assured.
In addition, he spotlighted the ‘Utkarsh Odisha’ global investors’ summit. In just seven months, it attracted proposals worth Rs 17 lakh crore, promising over 13 lakh jobs. So far, projects worth Rs 2.40 lakh crore have already started, expected to generate 1.5 lakh jobs.
At the same time, Majhi announced Keonjhar’s rise as a steel hub, rivalling Rourkela and Jajpur. Work has already begun for a mega steel plant, with the foundation stone to be laid soon. He said the district will play a major role in Odisha’s economy.
To support this growth, the government will convert roads in mining areas into six-lane highways. A ring road in Barbil is also planned. Moreover, several economic zones are under development statewide. The Kendujhar-Barbil-Joda region will emerge as a strong economic corridor.
“Golden Keonjhar will no longer be just a slogan. It will become reality,” Majhi declared.
Equally important, Majhi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to Odia pride. He mandated all official work in Odia, including at the secretariat. “Most Odishans speak only Odia. All communications must be in our mother tongue,” he said.
Additionally, he emphasised tribal culture as inseparable from Odisha’s identity. Nearly a quarter of the population belongs to 62 Scheduled Tribe communities. “Their traditions enrich Odisha’s culture. Through dances and music, people will sway, forget sorrows, and reconnect with roots. This is the true aim of the festival,” Majhi noted.
As a result, the event blends tribal dances, music, and literature. It also promotes tourism and cultural propagation.
District Collector Vishal Singh delivered the welcome address. Keonjhar MP Ananta Charan Nayak, MLAs Badri Narayan Patra, Fakir Mohan Nayak, and Akhila Chandra Nayak attended. DIG Brijesh Ray and SP Nitin Kushalkar also joined the program.
