Balasore, June 17: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday unveiled a life-size statue of late MLA Madan Mohan Dutta, fondly remembered as Mangu Bhai, on the occasion of his fifth death anniversary. The ceremony, held at Station Square in Balasore, was marked by heartfelt tributes and a series of community welfare initiatives.

Speaking at the memorial gathering, Pradhan described Dutta as a pillar of the BJP and a lifelong servant of the underprivileged. “Mangu Bhai was not just a legislator—he was the driving force behind Balasore’s development,” he said. “Balasore is the torchbearer of a Developed Odisha.”

The event included the inauguration of a blood donation camp, tree plantation, and distribution of assistive devices to people with disabilities. Financial aid was also extended to underprivileged and meritorious students. Volunteers were felicitated for their service.

Pradhan emphasized Dutta’s legacy of grassroots leadership, social commitment, and tireless work in education, healthcare, urban development, and employment. He recalled their 30-year-long association, calling Dutta a “banyan tree of ideology” whose values continue to inspire.

Highlighting Balasore’s cultural and historical significance, Pradhan invoked the legacy of Fakir Mohan Senapati and revolutionary Bagha Jatin. He reiterated the government’s commitment to modernizing the AIIMS Bhubaneswar satellite center and empowering local youth.

The event, organized by the Mangu Bhai Smruti Committee, concluded with a collective pledge to realize Dutta’s vision of a vibrant and progressive Balasore.

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