Viksit Bharat / Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Invokes Regional Pride, Development Vision in Dhamnagar Address
·4 months ago·3 min read
Key Points
- Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan called for developing Gohiratikiri into a heritage site by 2036.
- Rs 101 crore has been sanctioned for regional development.
- The minister urged citizens to take responsibility for development and preserving Odia heritage.
Dhamnagar, Nov 22: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan delivered a powerful address at Dobal Kalipadia in Bhadrak district on Saturday, invoking history, regional pride, and the development roadmap for Odisha.
A large public gathering attended the event, which paid tribute to Odisha’s last independent Hindu ruler, Raja Mukunda Deb, who was killed at Gohiratikiri 457 years ago following a conspiracy by the invader Kalapahada.
Pradhan said Raja Mukunda Deb expanded his kingdom from the Ganga to the Godavari and fought tirelessly to protect Odia identity and sovereignty. “He did not fall in direct battle. He was stabbed from behind because no one dared to face him,” the minister said, noting that Gohiratikiri should stand as a symbol of valour and Odia pride in Indian history.
He thanked Odisha government for sanctioning Rs 101 crore towards the development of the region. Pradhan said both the Centre and the state shared the mission of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
Linking the event to the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Pradhan said the 'Ekta Padyatra' held on Saturday was inspired by Patel’s commitment to safeguarding India’s sovereignty. He added that Patel, too, had drawn inspiration from the freedom fighters of Nilgiri.
Also Read: Massive Welcome For Dharmendra Pradhan After NDA’s Bihar Poll Triumph
The minister also noted that 2025 marks 150 years of “Vande Mataram”, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in his novel 'Anandamath, ' which continues to kindle a sense of national consciousness.
Calling for responsible citizenship, Pradhan urged people not to rely solely on the government for development. “History is our rear-view mirror. If we do not learn from it and take pride in our heritage, it becomes difficult to navigate the future,” he said. He stressed that the next ten years would be crucial for Odisha’s rise in the Purvodaya (eastern development) vision.
The minister also made two key proposals -- developing Gohiratikiri into a heritage site by 2036, the centenary of Odisha’s statehood on a linguistic basis, and a public debate on whether 'Alam Chand' pond, associated with foreign invasion, should continue to exist in 'this holy land of Mukunda Deb'.
Pradhan further appealed to the public to ensure environmental cleanliness, improve education, and make the most of resources. He pointed out that large sums are spent on decorative flowers during events, and suggested instead that the same money could be utilised to distribute fruits among schoolchildren.
“If 4.5 crore Odias take one step each, Odisha will move forward by 4.5 crore steps,” he said.
A large public gathering attended the event, which paid tribute to Odisha’s last independent Hindu ruler, Raja Mukunda Deb, who was killed at Gohiratikiri 457 years ago following a conspiracy by the invader Kalapahada.
Pradhan said Raja Mukunda Deb expanded his kingdom from the Ganga to the Godavari and fought tirelessly to protect Odia identity and sovereignty. “He did not fall in direct battle. He was stabbed from behind because no one dared to face him,” the minister said, noting that Gohiratikiri should stand as a symbol of valour and Odia pride in Indian history.
He thanked Odisha government for sanctioning Rs 101 crore towards the development of the region. Pradhan said both the Centre and the state shared the mission of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
Linking the event to the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Pradhan said the 'Ekta Padyatra' held on Saturday was inspired by Patel’s commitment to safeguarding India’s sovereignty. He added that Patel, too, had drawn inspiration from the freedom fighters of Nilgiri.
Also Read: Massive Welcome For Dharmendra Pradhan After NDA’s Bihar Poll Triumph
The minister also noted that 2025 marks 150 years of “Vande Mataram”, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in his novel 'Anandamath, ' which continues to kindle a sense of national consciousness.
Calling for responsible citizenship, Pradhan urged people not to rely solely on the government for development. “History is our rear-view mirror. If we do not learn from it and take pride in our heritage, it becomes difficult to navigate the future,” he said. He stressed that the next ten years would be crucial for Odisha’s rise in the Purvodaya (eastern development) vision.
The minister also made two key proposals -- developing Gohiratikiri into a heritage site by 2036, the centenary of Odisha’s statehood on a linguistic basis, and a public debate on whether 'Alam Chand' pond, associated with foreign invasion, should continue to exist in 'this holy land of Mukunda Deb'.
Pradhan further appealed to the public to ensure environmental cleanliness, improve education, and make the most of resources. He pointed out that large sums are spent on decorative flowers during events, and suggested instead that the same money could be utilised to distribute fruits among schoolchildren.
“If 4.5 crore Odias take one step each, Odisha will move forward by 4.5 crore steps,” he said.
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