The Odisha Legislative Assembly observed the death anniversary of Parala Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deb, the visionary leader and first Prime Minister of independent Odisha, on Monday.
Krushna Chandra Gajapati, remembered as a noble ruler, statesman, and patriot, played a pivotal role in uniting Odia-speaking regions and establishing a separate Odisha province. His leadership during the formation of Odisha in 1936 marked a historic milestone in the state’s political and cultural identity.
Born in Parlakhemundi, Maharaja Gajapati championed education, literature, and public welfare. His inspiring address at the 1914 Utkal Sammilani session laid the foundation for Odisha’s unification movement. He passed away on May 25, 1974, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of service and vision.
During the observance at the Assembly premises, Speaker Surama Padhy, Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, former Minister Dr Aravind Dhali, former MLA Priyadarshi Mishra, members of Utkal Sammilani, senior officials of Gajapati Vikash Parishad, and Assembly Secretary Satyabrata Raut offered floral tributes to the Maharaja’s statue.
The event featured patriotic songs presented by the Sashwati Cultural Organisation. Public Relations Officer Rosalin Sahu coordinated the ceremony.
