Bhubaneswar, 15 March (H.S.): Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday called for drawing inspiration from India’s rich historical legacy to work collectively towards building a Developed Odisha and a Developed India. He was speaking at the state convention Shikhar–2026, organised by the Utkal Marwari Sammelan in Sambalpur.
Addressing the gathering, Pradhan said that a nation’s glorious past serves as the most valuable guide for shaping a prosperous future. He emphasised that understanding the country’s civilisational heritage and cultural roots through the lens of history is essential for charting a new path of development for both Odisha and India.
During his address, the Union Minister presented a forward-looking vision highlighting the role of the Marwari community in India’s economic progress—from the country’s ancient civilisational foundations to the national goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He stated that the convention was not merely a formal gathering but a platform of unity, determination, and collective vision for the future.
Pradhan noted that India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy, a milestone made possible through the contributions of citizens across communities, including the Marwari society. He acknowledged the community’s long-standing role in strengthening India’s trade, culture, and social traditions.
Referring to historical challenges, Pradhan said that centuries of invasions and periods of foreign rule had led the country to lose touch with many aspects of its glorious heritage. However, he stressed that the present era offers an opportunity to revisit history, rediscover civilisational strengths, and use them as guiding principles for shaping a stronger future.
The Union Minister further highlighted the importance of Odisha’s development in achieving the national vision of a developed India. He said the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 cannot be realised without a Viksit Odisha. To achieve this, he emphasised the need for comprehensive development of more than 50,000 villages across the state. Strengthening leadership and economic capacity within society, he said, would significantly accelerate the pace of development.
Pradhan also pointed to Sambalpur’s vast potential, suggesting that the city could be developed as both an education hub and an economic zone with collective efforts from government, industry, and society. He underscored that knowledge is India’s most valuable asset and that prioritising education can bring transformative changes to society.
On the occasion, the Union Minister also urged members of the Marwari community to actively participate in social initiatives. He called for greater efforts towards environmental conservation through tree plantation and encouraged the promotion of mother languages. Additionally, he appealed to the community to organise programmes to distribute fruits and nutritious food to children in Anganwadi centres during special occasions and festivals.
Pradhan also echoed the Prime Minister’s call for adopting healthier lifestyles by reducing excessive use of cooking oil in daily diets, stressing that small lifestyle changes can contribute significantly to improving public health.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
