President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the high-profile leaders who extended their greetings to the people of Odisha on Wednesday as the state marked its 90th foundation day.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik also joined in the celebrations, offering their best wishes on the occasion of ‘Utkal Dibasa’.
Odisha made history on this day in 1936 by becoming the first province in India to be established on a linguistic basis. The state was formed following a dedicated three-decade movement that carved out Odia-speaking regions from the erstwhile Bengal, Bihar, and Madras presidencies.
Before this unification, Odia-speaking territories were fragmented across various administrative zones, including parts of present-day Jharkhand and several independent princely states.
Taking to X, PM Modi wrote in a post, “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.”
Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, in a social media post, said, “Warm greetings to the people of Odisha on the occasion of Odisha Day. This day is a celebration of the State’s glorious cultural legacy, rich traditions and the indomitable spirit of its people. May the State march ahead on the path of peace, prosperity and progress, and contribute significantly to the vision of Viksit Bharat.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also greeted the people of the state. “…Blessed with a rich cultural heritage and divine blessings of Prabhu Jagannath, Odisha shines as India’s pride. May the state touch new heights of progress and prosperity in the journey towards a Viksit Bharat”.
Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati also greeted the people of the state and paid his tributes to the sons of the soil who made unparalleled contributions to the formation of a separate Odisha.
“Let us all come together and resolve to further strengthen Odisha’s identity and pride,” Kambhampati said.
In a video message, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said, “On this historic day marking the formation of the separate Odisha Province, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all Odia brothers and sisters residing in the country and abroad. As the first state formed based on language, Odisha created its distinct identity on the world stage. On this occasion, I pay my deep respects to those great sons of the soil whose sacrifices and foresight made a separate Odisha possible.”
Majhi said the state government remains committed to safeguarding Odia identity and culture.
“We continue to work tirelessly to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of every Odia. Our sole aim is to build Odisha into the foremost state of the nation. On this sacred day today, let us all come together and take a firm pledge to build a ‘Prosperous Odisha’,” the chief minister said.
Former chief minister Naveen Patnaik, in a social media post, said, “Odisha Day’ is not just a celebration, it is an emotion. It is the pride and progress of every Odia. On this day, Odisha gained recognition as a separate state, the first in the country based on language.”
