Bhubaneswar, 01 April (H.S.): On the occasion of Utkal Diwas, celebrated annually on April 1, Hari Babu Kambhampati, Governor of Odisha, extended warm greetings to the people of the state, paying tribute to the visionaries whose efforts led to the formation of a separate Odisha. In a social media post, he highlighted their contributions to the state’s language, literature, and culture, and urged everyone to unite in strengthening Odisha’s identity and pride.

“To all beloved sisters and brothers of the state, #OdishaDibasa greetings and congratulations on this special day. My deepest respects and tributes to those great souls who made unparalleled contributions to the formation of a separate Odisha, thereby bringing honor and recognition to our language, literature, and culture. Let us all come together and resolve to further strengthen Odisha’s identity and pride,” the Governor posted.

Earlier, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of the state. “As the first state formed on the basis of 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,” he said.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to preserving 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, let us all come together and take a firm pledge to build a ‘Prosperous Odisha’,” Majhi added.

Utkal Diwas commemorates the formation of Odisha on April 1, 1936, celebrating the state’s linguistic, cultural, and historical heritage, and honoring the leaders whose vision shaped its identity.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda