Padma Awardees From Western Odisha Felicitated at ‘Matira Mahak’ in Sambalpur
“Only then can the path towards a developed Odisha and a developed India be strengthened,” he said.
Sambalpur:Sambalpur MP and former Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday felicitated eight Padma awardees from western Odisha at the ‘Matira Mahak’ programme held at the Rangabati Manch of Gangadhar Meher University here.
Addressing the gathering, Pradhan said the Padma awardees, who have created a distinct identity through their dedication, talent and contribution despite hailing from humble backgrounds, were living examples and a source of inspiration for society.
He said the Padma awards had been transformed into a “People’s Award” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure. “Earlier, people had to reach elite circles in Delhi to receive such recognition. Today, the Modi government is identifying and honouring genuine achievers from villages who have devoted themselves to folk art, literature, agriculture, education and social service,” he said.
Referring to the contribution of poet Gangadhar Meher to Odia society and literature, Pradhan shared his experience of visiting Kotia in Koraput and stressed the importance of imparting education in the mother tongue.
“Respecting our language, culture and traditions and knowing our glorious history is one of the biggest responsibilities of our times,” he said.
Pradhan urged the younger generation to study the history of Odisha, particularly the valour of freedom fighters such as Veer Surendra Sai, the Kudopali struggle, Buxi Jagabandhu and lesser-known freedom fighters such as Pindiki Bahubalendra. He also called upon the youth to learn from the dedication and achievements of Padma awardees.
“Only then can the path towards a developed Odisha and a developed India be strengthened,” he said.
Pradhan also proposed a collective effort to establish an arts college in Sambalpur in the name of renowned Sanskrit dramatist Murari Mishra. He said the proposed institution could eventually emerge as a major centre for education in dance, literature, performing arts, modern digital art and allied disciplines.
On the occasion, Pradhan felicitated Padma awardees from western Odisha — Bhagabat Padhan, Srinivas Udgata, Pattayat Sahu, Haldhar Nag, Jitendra Haripal, Mitrabhanu Gauntia, Kailash Chandra Meher and Mahendra Kumar Mishra — and congratulated them for their outstanding contributions.