Chennai, May 24: History serves as a mirror that guides society towards the future, and Odisha must draw inspiration from Kalinga’s rich maritime trade legacy and glorious past to build a stronger future, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Sunday.

Addressing the 90th Utkal Divas celebrations and annual function of the Utkal Association of Madras in Chennai, Pradhan said Odisha and Tamil Nadu share deep-rooted historical and cultural ties dating back centuries.

He said Tamil and Odia are among India’s most enriched classical languages. “Just as Tamil Nadu is a treasure trove of knowledge, science, language and ancient civilisation, Odisha too is a centre of culture, spirituality and artistic heritage,” he said.

The Union minister noted that the long-standing bond between the two states has remained strong through the contribution of the Odia diaspora living in Chennai.

Pradhan recalled that Odisha became the country’s first linguistic state in 1936 and said the state would celebrate its centenary in 2036. He described the coming decade as crucial for strengthening Odia identity, language, pride and cultural heritage.

He further said Odisha must emerge as one of India’s most influential economies to contribute meaningfully towards the vision of a developed India by 2047.

Referring to Odisha’s ancient maritime traditions, Pradhan said the “Sadhaba Pua” traders of Kalinga once sailed across southern seas for trade, with the Tamil Nadu coast serving as a key hub during those voyages.

“This relationship is not new. It exists in our blood and in the pages of history. We must not merely live in memories of the past, but take inspiration from history and move forward,” he said.

Invoking the legacy of 'Dharmapada' associated with the Konark Sun Temple, Pradhan called upon people to contribute collectively towards Odisha’s development ahead of the state’s centenary celebrations in 2036.

During his visit, the minister also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for “Utkal Seva Sadan” and said the institution would become a platform for social development within the Odia community.

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He described Odia society as responsible and spiritual, adding that caring for the poor and underprivileged has always been an integral part of Odia culture. Referring to personalities such as Gopabandhu Das, Veer Surendra Sai and Buxi Jagabandhu, he said their sacrifices embodied the principle of “service to humanity is service to God”.

Pradhan also expressed satisfaction over the ongoing conservation and restoration work of the Konark Temple and Debagarh Palace in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Madras.