In a vibrant culmination of the Anandpur Mahotsav, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday painted a glittering vision for Kendujhar district, blending deep respect for its ancient heritage with an ambitious blueprint for industrial and infrastructural transformation.
Addressing a packed gathering on the banks of the sacred Baitarani River, the Chief Minister described Anandpur not just as a festival venue but as a living symbol of Odisha’s spiritual harmony and folk culture. “Anandpur is a centre of knowledge and devotion,” he declared, praising the town’s unique place in the state’s religious and cultural landscape.
While celebrating the soul of the region, CM Majhi kept his focus firmly on the future. He announced that the state government will soon construct a state-of-the-art Indoor Stadium and a full-fledged Football Stadium in Anandpur. “Whatever funds are required, the government will bear the entire cost,” he assured the cheering crowd.
In a major development push, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for 41 projects worth ₹267.50 crore and dedicated 14 completed projects valued at ₹34.15 crore – a total investment of over ₹301 crore for the Anandpur area alone. These projects span roads, civic amenities, and basic infrastructure aimed at improving the quality of life for local residents.
CM Majhi reiterated his government’s firm resolve to position Kendujhar as the “industrial hub of Odisha.” He confirmed that work is progressing rapidly on establishing a mega steel plant in the district. The entire Kendujhar–Badbil–Joda corridor, he said, will be developed into a robust economic zone that will generate thousands of jobs and trigger all-round prosperity.
To give focused attention to the neglected northern region, the Chief Minister highlighted the newly formed North Odisha Development Council, which will prepare a comprehensive roadmap for the holistic growth of Kendujhar and surrounding districts.
He also spotlighted the government’s welfare schemes – Mukhyamantri Annapurna, Kanya Bibaha, and Kanya Sumangal – saying these initiatives are empowering women and protecting poor families across the state.
Local leaders joined the optimism. Digapahandi MLA Siddhant Mahapatra, who shares a deep emotional bond with Anandpur, called the town “a place of happiness and immense potential.” Telkoi MLA Dr. Fakir Mohan Naik, Kendujhar Collector Vishal Singh, Sub-Collector Nilamadhab Suna, and Anandpur Mahotsav Committee member Ramachandra Sahu were among the dignitaries present.
As the curtains came down on this year’s Anandpur Mahotsav, the message from the podium was loud and clear: Odisha’s rich cultural roots and its soaring development ambitions can – and will – flourish together. For the people of Kendujhar, the festival has ended, but a new and exciting chapter of progress has just begun.
