Odisha marked its 91st foundation day with a state-level celebration at Suando village in Puri district, the birthplace of Utkalamani Pandit Gopabandhu Das.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi paid tribute to the legendary reformer by visiting his ancestral home, offering prayers at the Radha Vinod Bihari temple, and garlanding his statue at Gopabandhu Park. He reiterated the government’s commitment to developing the region and preserving its cultural legacy.
Majhi announced a Rs 585 crore integrated development plan for the Satyabadi region, including:
- Rs 495 crore for Satyabadi heritage corridor and infrastructure
- Rs 90 crore for Bakulban revival as a cultural, spiritual, and educational hub
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving Odia identity and declared that no force can hinder the rise of the Odia nation.
In Puri, the CM unveiled plans for:
- A Rs 1,000 crore world-class Jagannath Museum and Library
- Restoration of Gundicha Temple, Emar Math, and Raghunandan Library
- Execution of the Samuka tourism project across 1,500 acres
- Establishment of a World Tourism Centre and cruise terminal
- Development of Chilika as a global ecotourism hub
- Progress on Puri International Airport and NH expansion
Majhi also outlined major infrastructure projects:
- Rs 80,000 crore worth of national highway works
- 287 km Brahmapur–Jeypore expressway
- Paralakhemundi–Ambabhona Namo Expressway
- 969 km Atal Expressway from Malkangiri to Mayurbhanj
He announced new airports in seven districts and helipads in 15 districts, along with:
- A Rs 25,000 crore mega shipbuilding cluster in Kendrapada
- A Rs 22,000 crore satellite port in Bahuda, Ganjam
Majhi launched the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangal Yojana, offering Rs 20,000 savings bonds at birth and Rs 1.01 lakh upon graduation for girls from economically weaker families.
He confirmed the establishment of three Ayurvedic medical colleges in Gajapati, Rayagada, and Malkangiri, along with two Homoeopathic medical colleges in Nayagarh and Nuapada. He also expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for approving the historic President’s Colour Award for Odisha Police in recognition of their distinguished service.
