MAYURBHANJ (Odisha)/Delhi, 20 June (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged people across India and around the world to participate in the 11th International Day of Yoga on June 21, saying yoga has long been an integral part of Odisha's cultural heritage and continues to serve as a powerful symbol of physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Addressing the 'Vikas Ra Dhara, Odisha Sara' programme in Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj district, the Prime Minister said yoga reflects India's timeless tradition of holistic health and has gained worldwide acceptance as a means of promoting harmony between mind and body.

International Yoga Day will be celebrated tomorrow. Yoga has always been a part of Odisha's culture. From the land of Odisha, I appeal to the people of India and the entire world to participate in Yoga Day in large numbers, PM Modi said during the event on Saturday.

The Prime Minister was joined by President Droupadi Murmu and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at the programme, which marked the completion of two years of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state. During the visit, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth around Rs 47,000 crore spanning infrastructure, transport, renewable energy and public welfare.

Looking ahead, PM Modi said Odisha's development is closely linked with India's long-term national vision. He noted that Odisha will celebrate 100 years of its formation in 2036, while India will mark the centenary of Independence in 2047. According to the Prime Minister, achieving these milestones requires sustained economic growth and coordinated development across the state and the country.

Highlighting Odisha's industrial potential,PM Modi said the Centre is working to convert the state's abundant natural resources into engines of economic growth. He stated that investment proposals worth nearly Rs 20 lakh crore have been received under the Utkarsh Odisha initiative, while several mega projects valued at more than Rs 3.5 lakh crore are already under implementation. He expressed confidence that these investments would generate employment and strengthen Odisha's economy in the coming years.

The Prime Minister also underlined the government's emphasis on tribal welfare, saying education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities remain key priorities. He said around 500 Eklavya Model Residential Schools have been established across the country to improve educational access for tribal students, while hundreds more schools have received approval. Scholarships have also been extended to millions of tribal students at both pre-matriculation and post-matriculation levels. He further announced that another Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya would be established in Mayurbhanj.

On healthcare, PM Modi said the government has intensified efforts to combat sickle cell disease, which affects many tribal communities. He highlighted the nationwide screening campaign, the distribution of more than four crore Ayushman health cards and the expansion of safe drinking water under the Jal Jeevan Mission as key initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes in remote regions.

The Prime Minister also referred to the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and the PM JANMAN initiative, stating that these programmes are focused on extending basic infrastructure, education, healthcare and welfare services to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups and other underserved communities.

Commending Odisha's cleanliness campaign,PM Modi praised the Swachhta Se Swagat initiative, which has gained attention across social media. He congratulated the people of Odisha and the state government for encouraging public participation in sanitation and cleanliness efforts.

Speaking about the Centre's broader development strategy, the Prime Minister said the vision of Purvodaya places Eastern India at the heart of the country's growth story. He added that Odisha is playing an increasingly important role in this transformation through investments in infrastructure, industry and social development.

Earlier on Saturday, President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi visited Pahadpur village in Mayurbhanj district, where they offered traditional prayers at the sacred Santali Jahira and Ho Jahira groves, seeking peace, prosperity and well-being for the nation.

Referring to Odisha's vibrant cultural traditions, PM Modi said preparations for the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and the Baripada Rath Yatra have created a festive atmosphere across the state, reflecting the rich heritage and spiritual identity of Odisha.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar