APRIL 2: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha attended the Odisha Day ‘Utkala Dibasa’ celebration today at Jammu Raj Bhawan, marking a special event in honor of the state’s cultural heritage and contributions to India’s growth. The event saw enthusiastic participation from officials, students, faculty members from various educational institutions, and the people of Odisha living in the Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory.
The Lieutenant Governor extended his heartfelt felicitation to all attendees, wishing them well on the occasion of ‘Utkala Dibasa’. In his address, Shri Sinha acknowledged Odisha’s exceptional and diverse cultural contributions to the nation. He emphasized the state’s rich cultural heritage, which spans ancient monuments, literature, visual and performing arts, and a variety of traditions that have played a vital role in shaping India’s unique and vibrant identity.
He expressed his admiration for the state’s multifaceted legacy and prayed for the health, well-being, and prosperity of the people of Odisha, describing it as a “blessed land” that has significantly enriched the country’s cultural landscape.
The Lieutenant Governor also paid tribute to Odisha’s great luminaries, recognizing their immense contributions to the nation’s folk traditions, literature, handicrafts, customs, and overall cultural heritage. He highlighted the diverse and profound impact that Odisha has had on India’s cultural tapestry, particularly through its literary traditions, vibrant cuisine, architectural marvels, and sacred festivals like the famous Rath Yatra.
Shri Sinha spoke with great pride about the state’s three distinct classical dance forms—Odissi, Gotipua, and Mahari—which have added depth and diversity to India’s rich cultural heritage. He further praised Odisha’s rich handloom and handicraft traditions, which continue to be a symbol of the state’s artistic excellence.
Looking forward, the Lieutenant Governor acknowledged that Odisha is writing a new saga of progress. He noted that the people of the state are actively contributing to this journey of development, and expressed his confidence that Odisha will play a leading role in the country’s pursuit of becoming a developed nation. The people’s enthusiasm and commitment to progress, according to him, will undoubtedly help the state make significant strides in its development.
In closing, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated his admiration for the state of Odisha and assured that its contributions to India’s culture and growth will continue to be celebrated and recognized.
