Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday released a new book chronicling the life and legacy of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, describing the late spiritual leader as a towering source of inspiration for future generations through his sacrifice, struggle, and service to tribal communities and the nation.
The book, titled *Vedanta Kesari Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati: Kruti O Byaktitwa* (Works and Personality), was unveiled at the local Railway Auditorium in Bhubaneswar. Authored by Bipin Bihari Nanda and Banchhanidhi Panda in both Odia and Hindi, the volume is expected to find a place in school and college libraries across the state.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said a great man’s biography is not merely a collection of past events but a guiding light for the youth. “Swami Laxmanananda’s dedicated sadhana for the welfare of the most neglected sections of society and his efforts to spread national consciousness will keep our culture eternally enriched,” he remarked. He noted that Swamiji was far more than a sanyasi—he served as a protective shield and awakened spiritual force for the tribal brothers and sisters of Kandhamal. Through the Chakapad and Jalespatta ashrams, Swamiji educated and empowered tribal girls while raising his voice against illegal religious conversions, cow slaughter, and anti-national conspiracies.
Majhi announced several government initiatives to honour Swamiji’s memory. The Government Medical College and Hospital in Phulbani has been renamed after Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati. Additionally, Rs 13 crore has been sanctioned for the conservation of the heritage of Jalespatta Ashram, construction of a 300-seat girls’ hostel, and development of water supply and other infrastructure, with work set to begin shortly.
As the birth centenary year of Swamiji begins on August 21, the Chief Minister said his ideals and messages will reach every village in Odisha and various universities across the country through seminars and workshops.
Turning to the 2008 Janmashtami night murder of Swamiji, Majhi sharply criticised the previous government’s failure and politics of appeasement. He described the disappearance of the Justice Naidu Commission report and related files from the Lok Seva Bhawan as a deliberate conspiracy rather than ordinary negligence. The Crime Branch has been tasked with investigating the missing files. “The truth will definitely come out, and under no circumstances will our government spare the real culprits behind this murder,” the Chief Minister assured the people of the state.
RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, the chief guest, called Swamiji a mahapurush and a powerful force rather than an ordinary individual. He recalled how Swamiji awakened religious consciousness among the masses, inspired them to protect dharma, and devoted his life—beginning with cow protection from childhood—to alleviating the suffering of people from all sections of society. Hosabale urged everyone to follow the path shown by Swamiji.
Former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, present as a guest of honour, hailed Swamiji as a great freedom fighter, revolutionary, and pioneer of the Garjat movement. He said Swamiji’s unmatched contribution to the security and development of present-day Phulbani (Kandhamal) district, promotion of women’s education, and efforts to make all sections of society self-reliant would continue to guide Odisha’s prosperity and the building of a developed India.
The event was also attended by spiritual leader Swami Paramahansa Prajnanananda, Swami Jeevan Muktananda (president of the Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati Smriti Nyas), Mansukhlal Sethia, and the book’s authors.
