Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday extended warm greetings to the people of Odisha on the occasion of Odisha Day, also known as Utkal Divas, marking the state’s formation in 1936.
Taking to social media platform X, Shah praised Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and natural resources, calling the state a “jewel” in India’s pride and a rising force in the country’s economic growth.
“Heartfelt greetings to our sisters and brothers of Odisha on the occasion of Odisha Day. A state endowed with a glorious cultural heritage and immense natural resources, Odisha has always been a jewel in Bharat’s pride. Today the state is pacing to become Bharat’s growth engine by realizing its true potential. May Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless Odisha to touch new heights of prosperity,” Shah wrote.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also extended his wishes, paying tribute to those who fought for the state’s formation.
“Greetings and best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Odisha Day. A humble tribute to the great men who made immense sacrifices for the formation of a separate Odisha state and enhanced the glory of our language, literature, and culture. On this day, let us further strengthen our resolve to build a healthy and developed Odisha,” Majhi stated on X.
Union Minister of Education and Lok Sabha MP from Odisha’s Sambalpur, Dharmendra Pradhan, also shared his thoughts, celebrating Odisha’s unique cultural identity and history.
“Heartiest greetings on ‘Odisha Day’ to my brothers and sisters of Odisha and the Odia community who spread Odia culture and heritage in every corner of the world. On this day in 1936, our Odisha gained the honor of being the first independent province on the basis of language. My salute to all the great men who fought and sacrificed for giving due recognition to Odia identity, Odia pride, and Odia culture,” Pradhan wrote.
He further emphasized the importance of preserving Odisha’s rich cultural legacy and promoting its identity on the global stage.
“Today, we are proud of Odisha’s art, culture, knowledge, valor, sacrifice, and glorious history and are inspired to connect with our cultural depth and make Odisha’s culture more widespread on the world stage. Let us all collectively resolve to preserve our cultural heritage and further strengthen the unique identity of Odisha,” he added.
In celebration of Utkal Divas, government buildings in Bhubaneswar were illuminated, and various cultural programs were organized across the state. April 1 holds special significance for the people of Odisha, as it was on this day in 1936 that the state was officially formed based on linguistic identity.