Bhubaneswar, Nov. 7: Odisha, has always been an epitome of rich art, culture, literature and traditions that have been honed over centuries, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said here on Sunday.
Speaking at the lit festival of an English daily, Patnaik said these have had a major impact on the consciousness of millions across the globe. Today, Odisha is at the cusp between tradition and modernity which brings forth so many hues of life.
He said around the beginning of the 20th Century, one of the greatest Odiya writers Fakir Mohan Senapati came out with his mind-blowing story of Rebati, the girl who was cursed for daring to study. That was the reality of Odisha in those times. “Contrast this with the story of Karama Muduli in the third decade of the 21st Century. A tribal girl from the remote Bonda hills comes to the capital city to realise her dreams by studying in RD Women’s University. The current story is the story of present-day Odisha, a story of immense possibilities,” Patnaik said.
The Chief Minister said Kalahandi is a district known long for its poverty. Now, Kalahandi is a major producer of rice in Odisha helping us to contribute to the national food distribution programme.
In sports. the national and international sporting community is looking to Odisha for the conduct of their events.
During the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, Odisha led the move to supply oxygen all over the country to save people’s lives. The state is also at the centre of attraction for investors. It’s a story of turnaround.
For many years, Odisha has consistently outgrown the pace of the national growth rate. ‘’We have been able to keep pace with the latest developments in technology to ensure equitable and inclusive growth. Our story of development has so many facets as lives are transformed in countless ways.’’ Patnaik said.
May it be food production or disaster management; women empowerment or healthcare, sports, education or service delivery; transformational changes are visible all across the state. The stories of transformation are creating buzz around the Nation and across the globe, he said.
