Bhubaneswar, 11 October (H.S.): Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has called upon the youth to actively participate in nation-building and connect with India’s rich historical, cultural and literary heritage. He said the valour, culture and literature of Sambalpur constitute invaluable chapters of India’s heritage and urged young people across the country to explore the region’s history and traditions and draw inspiration from them.

Pradhan made the remarks while addressing the ‘Vande Mataram Shivir’ organised by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) in Sambalpur on Sunday. He said India would have the world’s largest youth population over the next 25 years and that young people would play the most crucial role in realising the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

Extending his greetings on the occasion of Navratri, Pradhan said the slogan ‘Vande Mataram’ had inspired people during the freedom struggle and united them through a deep sense of love and devotion towards the motherland. It continues to symbolise national pride and unity, he said, adding that the camp was an important initiative towards strengthening the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.

Highlighting Sambalpur’s historical significance, Pradhan said the region had evidence of human civilisation dating back around 10,000 years. The rock art found in the Bhim Mandali area of the district bears testimony to its ancient heritage, he said.

He recalled the sacrifices and struggles of legendary freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai, his brother Chhabil Sai, and freedom fighter Udant Sai, who endured 37 years of imprisonment. Their sacrifices, he said, had further enhanced the pride and glory of Sambalpur.

Pradhan also described Sambalpur as an important centre of art, literature and spirituality. Recalling the humanitarian philosophy of Sant Kavi Bhima Bhoi, he highlighted the universal message of compassion and the welfare of all living beings reflected in the saint-poet’s writings.

He also paid tribute to Swabhaba Kabi Gangadhar Meher for his invaluable contribution to Odia language and literature.

Referring to the Hirakud reservoir, Pradhan described it as one of modern India’s significant engineering achievements. He said its development was associated with the vision of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and Sir M. Visvesvaraya, reflecting the country’s engineering capabilities and long-term vision.

He noted that Sambalpur is home to several prominent educational institutions, including Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Sambalpur University, Gangadhar Meher University and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). These institutions are making significant contributions to education, research and national development, he said.

Pradhan also noted that drones developed by students and experts in the region were being used in the field of national security.

Describing Sambalpuri handloom and khadi as symbols of the region’s cultural identity and the spirit of Swadeshi, he said they were much more than garments. They represent the creativity, craftsmanship and livelihood traditions of rural weavers and farming families.

Pradhan said Indian youth were increasingly taking global leadership roles through information technology, science, innovation and Global Capability Centres. Emphasising India’s self-confidence and national resolve, he said the country had never bowed to threats and would not do so in the future.

He urged young people to embrace the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—and work for the welfare of the most disadvantaged sections of society. Youth must harness their energy, talent and innovative abilities for nation-building, he said.

Young representatives from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram and West Bengal participated in the Vande Mataram Shivir. Odisha Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Rabinarayan Naik and other dignitaries were also present.

The camp is a major national youth initiative of Mera Yuva Bharat under the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It aims to promote national unity, patriotism, constitutional values, cultural exchange and leadership skills among young people in line with the visions of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’.

A total of 20 Vande Mataram camps are being organised across the country, with Sambalpur selected as one of the venues in Odisha.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda