Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi joined devotees at Ekamra Kshetra today to mark the Somnath Swabhiman Festival, celebrating 75 years of the Somnath temple’s restoration.
The Chief Minister described Somnath as the western sentinel of India and Lingaraj as the eastern symbol of unyielding strength. He watched the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, alongside devotees at Lingaraj Peeth.
Majhi recalled Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s decisive role in rebuilding Somnath in 1951, calling it the beginning of India’s cultural resurgence. He emphasised that under Modi’s leadership, India now witnesses a new chapter of cultural revival. He noted that despite repeated invasions, India’s faith and resilience ensured Somnath’s rebirth each time.
The Chief Minister pledged to strengthen Odisha’s cultural and spiritual foundation. He announced projects worth Rs 330 crore for Ekamra Kshetra’s development and Rs 1000 crore for the Shree Jagannath Museum, aiming to establish Odisha as India’s cultural capital. He also stressed promoting the “Orange Economy,” using culture-driven tourism to generate local employment.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari highlighted Somnath’s role as a beacon of India’s self-respect during times of crisis. Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, Culture Secretary Dr Vijay Ketan Upadhyay, and Khordha Collector Amrit Rituraj attended the event.
Majhi concluded by urging Odias to join the mission of building a prosperous Odisha and a developed India, inspired by Patel’s courage and Modi’s vision.
