Bhubaneswar, April 1 (IANS) Wishes poured in from various corners as Odisha on Wednesday celebrates Utkal Divas, marking the formation of the state as a separate province on April 1, 1936.

Extending greetings to the people of Odisha on the occasion, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati said that this historic day marks the formation of Odisha as the first linguistic state of India.

In his address, the Governor also remembered the vision, sacrifice, and determined efforts of great leaders like Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan Das, Utkalamani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, and Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati, along with many other pioneers who worked tirelessly to protect the language, identity, and cultural heritage of Odisha. “We remember their contributions with deep respect and gratitude,” said Kambhampati on the occasion.

He also highlighted the proud and glorious past of Odisha, noting that the legacy of ancient Kalinga, the spirit of sacrifice evident in the Paika Rebellion of 1817, and its rich cultural traditions continue to inspire the Odia people even today.

“The inclusive philosophy of Lord Jagannath teaches us equality, unity and harmony, which remain the foundation of our society,” he added.

Mentioning various significant developmental and welfare initiatives taken by the Odisha Government, the governor said that the state has made steady progress across multiple sectors and is moving forward with confidence on the path of development.

“As we look ahead to 2036, when Odisha will complete 100 years of its formation, our vision is to build a ‘Viksit Odisha’ for a self-reliant ‘Viksit Bharat’ 2047. We aim to transform the state into a 500 billion dollar economy while ensuring that development is inclusive and benefits every section of society,” noted the Governor.

He urged all Odias to reaffirm their commitment to work together for the progress and prosperity of Odisha.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also extended heartfelt greetings to Odias across the world on the occasion of Utkal Divas, calling the day a historic milestone in the state’s journey. CM Majhi said Odisha continues to move ahead on the path of development, completing 90 glorious years since its formation as the first province in India based on linguistic identity.

He paid rich tributes to the great leaders whose vision, sacrifice, and determination made the formation of a separate Odisha possible.

“Our government remains ever committed to the protection of Odia identity and culture. We are continuously working to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of every Odia. Building Odisha into one of the leading states of the country is our sole objective,” CM Majhi said.

On this auspicious occasion, he called upon people to unite and take a collective pledge to build a “Samruddha Odisha” (Prosperous Odisha) in the coming ten years, when Odisha will complete 100 years of its formation as a separate state.

–IANS

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