Odia Pride / Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati's Centenary Celebrations Begin At Gurujanga; Dharmendra Pradhan Arrives

Talcher, Aug 21: The two-day birth centenary celebrations of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati have begun at Gurujanga village in Odisha's Anugola district, his birthplace, with Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan arriving at the venue as the celebrations got underway.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and several seers and saints also attended the celebrations today.

The venue is witnessing a festive atmosphere, with the organising committee, district administration, locals and supporters making elaborate arrangements for the two-day programme.

Kalash Yatra Marks Beginning
The day began with a Kalash Yatra, followed by a procession through the village. The organisers have completed preparations for the main programme at Gurujanga.


A state-level meeting of centenary celebration functionaries is scheduled for 3 pm, followed by cultural programmes.

Swami Laxmanananda’s Legacy
Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, also known as 'Vedanta Kesari', was born in 1924 in Gurujanga village. He dedicated much of his life to social and educational work among tribal communities in Odisha.

He began his work in Chakapad in Kandhamal district and established an ashram there in 1969. He also established a Gurukul-style school and a Sanskrit college, while Sankaracharya Kanyashram at Jalespeta provided residential education for girls.

Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati also worked on the renovation of temples, including Birupakshya, Kumareswar and Jogeswar.

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He was killed at his ashram on the night of August 23, 2008, as he was opposing forced religious conversions of hapless tribals in Kandhamal. He was known for his work among tribal communities and his advocacy on social and religious issues.

The birth centenary celebrations are being organised to commemorate his life and contributions.