Prime Minister Narendra Modi today released the Hindi translation of the book ‘Odisha Itihaas’ written by ‘Utkal Keshari’ Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab.
The book, available in Odia and English so far, has now been translated into Hindi by Shankarlal Purohit.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and MP from Cuttack, Bhartruhari Mahtab were also present.on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion,The Prime Minister recalled that the country had just celebrated the 120th birth anniversary of ‘Utkal Keshari’ Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab about a year and a half ago. PM Modi further said that it is critical that the diverse and detailed history of Odisha reaches the citizens of the country.
The Prime Minister lauded Dr. Mahtab’s contribution in the freedom struggle.
Dr. Mahtab was imprisoned during the Emergency for criticizing the party in which he became Chief Minister.
The Prime Minister praised Dr. Mahatab for his contributions for bringing Odisha’s history to the national stage. His contribution allowed the establishment of museums, archives, and archaeology sections in Odisha.
The Prime Minister stressed the need for the much wider study of History. He said history should not only be a lesson of the past but should also mirror the future.
‘’History in India is not restricted to kings and palaces. Over thousands of years, history has evolved with people,” Prime Minister Modi said. This is a foreign thought process that has made dynasty and palace tales into history.
Giving an example of Ramayana and Mahabharata where most of the description is of the common people, the PM added, in our lives, the common person is the focus point.
The history of Odisha represents the historical strength of entire India. This strength, reflected in the history is connected with the present and future possibilities and works as a guide for us said the Prime Minister.
Infrastructure sector crucial for growth
Dwelling upon the development of the state, the Prime Minister emphasized that infrastructure is the most important requirement for business and industry. Thousands of kilometers of national highways and coastal highways are being built in Odisha allowing the state’s various regions to be linked.
Also, hundreds of kilometer-long rail lines have also been laid in the past few years.
Following infrastructure, Industries and businesses are encouraged to move in this direction. Thousands of crores have been invested in the state’s oil and steel industries to realize the enormous potential. Similarly, through the blue revolution, attempts are being made to improve the lives of Odisha’s fishermen.
The PM also discussed the efforts being undertaken in the skill sector. For the benefit of the youth of the state, foundations have been laid for institutes like IIT Bhubaneswar, IISER Berhampur, Indian Institute of Skills, IIT Sambalpur in the state.
Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav
Concluding the event, the Prime Minister advocated for bringing Odisha’s heritage and grandeur to the rest of the world. He urged making the Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav a true People’s movement, predicting that the initiative would unleash a wave of energy close to that seen during the independence struggle.
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