Bhubaneswar: A Rs 585-crore project would be implemented soon for development of Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya and the entire region, said chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday, while attending the state-level Utkal Divas celebration held at Suando village under Satyabadi block in Puri district.Suando is the birthplace of freedom fighter and social reformer Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das. He established a model school, Bakula Bana Vidyalaya, at Satyabadi. “Around Rs 90 crore will be spent in the restoration and development of the historic Bakulban, transforming it into a cultural, spiritual and educational centre, while preserving its historical identity,” said Majhi, after visiting Utkalmani’s ancestral home, his family deity and other places at Suando.He said Rs 495 crore will be allocated for redevelopment of Satyabadi area, including construction of a heritage corridor.In a general meeting held at Utkalmani Gopabandhu Smruti Mahavidyalaya in Sakhigopal, Majhi said Utkalmani’s hardships and sacrifices changed the destiny of Odia people.Utkal Divas was celebrated with pride and enthusiasm across the state on Wednesday, marking the formation of Odisha as a separate state on linguistic basis on April 1, 1936. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Governor Haribabu Kambhampati, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other top leaders and intellectuals wished the state on its formation day.“This occasion celebrates the state’s rich cultural heritage, timeless traditions and the resilience of its people,” Murmu wrote in her social media post.Modi said Odisha is a state that stands tall as a timeless symbol of cultural as well as spiritual greatness. “Odia music, art and literature have enriched India in countless ways. The people of Odisha, known for their determination, simplicity and warmth, have made remarkable contributions across fields. May Odisha keep scaling new heights of progress in the times to come,” he added.The Odisha governor, in his message, said, “Odisha is a land where heritage breathes and culture flourishes, its temples, traditions, festivals and the grace of Odissi reflecting timeless pride and devotion. Celebrating Odisha’s enduring spirit, today and always.”Apart from govt offices, different organisations like Biswa Odia Pariwar and educational institutions celebrated Utkal Divas on Wednesday. Cultural evenings were organised at different places of the state and outside on the special day. From April 1, the govt has started observing ‘Odia Pakhya’, a fortnight-long celebration of Odisha’s language, culture and heritage till April 14.
