Sambalpur, Mar 15: Sambalpur witnessed a remarkable gathering as the Utkal Pradeshik Marwari Sammelan organized its provincial convention “Shikhar-2026.”

Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan, on Sunday, delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing the importance of learning from history to shape a prosperous future for Odisha and India.

Union Minister Pradhan highlighted that India’s glorious civilization and cultural heritage serve as guiding lights for building a “Viksit Odisha” and a “Viksit Bharat”. “The Marwari community has played a significant role in India’s economic growth and cultural preservation, and their continued contribution is vital in realizing the nation’s vision for 2047,” he noted.

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Tracing India’s journey from ancient civilization to the modern aspiration of becoming a developed nation, Pradhan presented a forward-looking roadmap. “Odisha’s progress is inseparable from India’s development,” stressed the Union Minister, asserting that the dream of a Viksit Bharat 2047 cannot be achieved without first ensuring the prosperity of Odisha’s 50,000-plus villages.

“Strong leadership and robust economic engines are essential to accelerate growth, with the Marwari community expected to take on greater responsibility,” he opined.

Underlining Sambalpur’s potential to emerge as an “Education Hub” and “Economic Zone,” he called for collective efforts to harness its opportunities. “India’s true wealth lies in knowledge, and only by prioritizing education can society undergo transformative change,” Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized.

In his message to the Marwari community, Pradhan urged active participation in environmental protection through tree plantation, promotion of mother tongue, and support for child nutrition programs in Anganwadis during festivals and special occasions. He also echoed the Prime Minister’s call to reduce oil consumption in food for healthier living.

The convention was not just a meeting but a platform of unity, determination, and vision for the future. With India now the world’s fourth-largest economy, Union Minister Pradhan reminded that every citizen, including the Marwari community, has a responsibility to contribute to the nation’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.