Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Odisha Parba 2024 celebrations held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. Organized by the Odia Samaj from November 22-24, this flagship event highlighted Odisha’s vibrant cultural, social, and political heritage. The Prime Minister’s address celebrated Odisha’s legacy, its historical contributions, and its promising future.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Tributes Paid,
- Swabhav Kavi Gangadhar Meher (centenary of death anniversary).
- Bhakta Dasia Bhauri, Bhakta Salabega, and Shri Jagannath Das (author of Oriya Bhagavatha).
- Emphasis on Odisha’s literary contributions, including Saral Mahabharat and Odiya Bhagawat.
- Lord Jagannath’s legacy is praised as a symbol of simplicity and divine leadership.
- Remembered Odisha poet Bhim Bhoi’s philosophy of self-sacrifice for the world.
Contribution to National Integration and Freedom Struggle
- Recalled the Paika Rebellion, commemorated with a postage stamp and coin.
- Honored Utkal Kesari Hare Krishna Mehtab’s legacy during his 125th birth anniversary.
- Highlighted President Draupadi Murmu’s tribal representation and leadership.
Economic and Developmental Initiatives
- Industrial Growth: Focus on Odisha as a mining and metal powerhouse with advancements in steel, aluminum, and energy.
- Port Development: Projects underway at Dhamra, Gopalpur, Astaranga, Palur, and Subarnarekha to boost maritime trade.
- Agriculture & Seafood: Efforts to expand markets for cashew, jute, cotton, turmeric, oilseeds, and seafood.
- Investment promotion through Utkarsh Utkal, with Rs. 45,000 crore investments approved in the first 100 days of the new state government.
Tourism and Cultural Promotion
- Bali Jatra: Celebrated as a symbol of India’s maritime history and trade with Southeast Asia.
- Plans to promote Odissi Day and other events celebrating tribal heritage and traditional art forms like Pattachitra and Sambalpuri weaving.
- Enhanced tourism focuses on heritage sites like Konark Sun Temple and Puri Dham.
Focus on Education and Urbanization
- Odisha as a hub for higher education with numerous national and international institutes.
- Initiatives for urban development and infrastructure growth in Tier-2 cities, particularly in Western Odisha.
Government Support and Budget Allocation
- Odisha receives three times more budget than a decade ago, with a 30% increase in funding compared to last year.
- Comprehensive development efforts for connectivity, health, and education across Eastern India.
Vision for Odisha’s Future
- Aimed to make Odisha one of the leading states by its centenary in 2036.
- Recognized Odisha as a key growth engine for India’s development.
| Summary/Static | Details |
| Why in the news? | Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Odisha Parba 2024 celebrations |
| Cultural Legacy | Tributes to Gangadhar Meher, Dasia Bhauri, Salabega, and Shri Jagannath Das. |
| Freedom Struggle | Honored Paika Rebellion martyrs and Utkal Kesari Hare Krishna Mehtab. |
| Economic Development | Port development, industrial growth in metals, agriculture, and seafood branding. |
| Tourism | Promotion of Bali Jatra, Odissi Day, and tribal art forms. |
| Education and Urbanization | Odisha as a hub for higher education and initiatives for Tier-2 city development. |
| Vision 2036 | Roadmap to position Odisha as a strong and prosperous state by its centenary year. |