In a major initiative to celebrate community action and women-led development, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister, Pravati Parida, has called upon women beneficiaries across the state to participate in the ‘Aashirbad Ka Diya’ programme on the evening of September 17, 2026.
The statewide effort invites women to light a lamp as a symbol of service, gratitude, and empowerment.
The call was extended during a high-level review meeting chaired by the Deputy Chief Minister. Representatives from Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Cluster Level Federations (CLFs), Gram Panchayat Level Associations of Federations (GPLAFs), Block and District Level Federations, Lakhpati Didis, Producer Groups, and Producer Companies were urged to actively participate in making the event a success.
Speaking on the vision behind the drive, DCM Pravati Parida highlighted the role of women in driving state and national progress.
“If every woman beneficiary lights a lamp as a symbol of gratitude and aspiration for Viksit Bharat 2047 and Viksit Odisha 2036, the entire State will glow with the light of women’s empowerment,” Parida said. “Each diya will represent the strength, dignity and aspirations of our women and their contribution towards the development of the State and the nation.”
The ‘Aashirbad Ka Diya’ lighting event aligns with the Government of Odisha’s broader decision to launch the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan–2026’. Running from September 17 to October 17, 2026, the month-long abhiyan aims to build collective civic responsibility, foster social participation, and promote the spirit of public service across urban and rural Odisha.
