Bhubaneswar/ New Delhi, Apr 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, extended greetings to the people of Odisha on the occasion of Odisha Day, also known as Utkal Divas, which marks the formation of the state of Odisha back in 1936.

PM Modi, in a post on X, said that the Centre and the state government are working together for progress.

He wrote, “Warm wishes on Utkal Divas! This day is a fitting tribute to Odisha’s glorious culture. India takes pride in Odisha’s history, literature and music. Odisha’s people are hardworking and have excelled in diverse fields. Over the last year, the Centre and Odisha Governments are working extensively to further the state’s progress.”

Taking to social media platform X, the Union Home Minister said that Odisha had been a "jewel" in India's pride and that the state is pacing its way to become the country's growth engine.

"Heartfelt greetings to our sisters and brothers of Odisha on the occasion of Odisha Day. A state endowed with a glorious cultural heritage and immense natural resources, Odisha has always been a jewel in Bharat's pride. Today the state is pacing to become Bharat's growth engine by realising its true potential. May Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless Odisha to touch new heights of prosperity," Shah stated.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also extended his wishes on this occasion, noting that it was a "humble tribute" to the people who made immense sacrifices for the formation of the state.

"Greetings and best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Utkal Divas. A humble tribute to the great men who made immense sacrifices for the formation of a separate Odisha state and enhanced the glory of our language, literature and culture. On this day, let us further strengthen our resolve to build a healthy and developed Odisha," Manjhi said on X.

Union Minister of Education and Lok Sabha MP from Odisha's Sambalpur, Dharmendra Pradhan, also took to X and extended his greetings on the occasion of Odisha Day (Utkal Divas).

"Heartiest greetings on 'Utkal Divas' to my brothers and sisters of Odisha and the Odia community who spread Odia culture and heritage in every corner of the world. On this day in 1936, our Odisha gained the honour of being the first independent province on the basis of language. My salute to all the great men who fought and sacrificed for giving due recognition to Odia identity, Odia pride and Odia culture," Pradhan said.

"Today, we are proud of Odisha's art, culture, knowledge, valour, sacrifice and glorious history and are inspired to connect with our cultural depth and make Odisha's culture more widespread on the world stage. Let us all collectively resolve to preserve our cultural heritage and further strengthen the unique identity of Odisha," he added.

Government buildings in Bhubaneswar were illuminated on the eve of Utkal Divas.

Every year, the day is celebrated across Odisha with much pomp and several events are organised on this day. April 1 is an important day for the people of Odisha, as it was on this day in 1936 that the state was formed based on language.

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