Bhubaneswar, April 1 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that Odisha has the power to mesmerize everyone and praised its rich cultural heritage, spiritual depth, and the resilience of its people, while reaffirming the Centre's commitment to the state's development.
Modi wrote a four-page letter to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on the occasion of Utkal Dibasa, or the statehood day.
He recalled many great sons and daughters of the soil, including Buxi Jagabandhu, Veer Surendra Sai, Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo, Madhusudan Das, Gopabandhu Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Gangadhar Meher, Harekrushna Mahtab, Malati Choudhury, Sarala Devi, Parbati Giri, and Biju Patnaik, on the occasion.
"They left an indelible mark on India's history," Modi said, while describing Odisha as a "civilizational treasure" and marveling at its glorious past and its people.
Modi praised the expertise of Odias in trade, academics, sports, arts, and research, and recalled his long personal association with the state and its diaspora even before becoming the prime minister.
"I consider it my privilege and the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath that over the last decade, I have had the opportunity to work towards the progress of Odisha and the prosperity of its people," he said.
The PM noted that Odisha has received the highest-ever allocation for railways and roads to boost connectivity. Railway funding increased to Rs 10,200 crore between the financial years 2023-24 and 2026-27, up from Rs 838 crore between the 2008-09 and 2013-14 fiscals.
This is giving "fresh momentum" to connectivity, logistics, and tourism in a state blessed with natural and cultural wealth, he said.
On the uplift of tribals, who constitute around one-fourth of the state's population, the PM said schemes like PM-JANMAN focus on the most vulnerable groups.
The prime minister said the NDA government is also supporting Odisha's emergence as a major maritime and industrial state through port-led development, including the ecosystem around Paradip, the upcoming LNG terminals at Paradip and Gopalpur, and the wider potential of projects such as Bahuda Port and the Mahanadi riverine shipbuilding and port initiative.
He said the proposed dedicated Rare Earth Corridor will further strengthen Odisha's role in strategic minerals and advanced manufacturing.
Odisha is also steadily emerging as a promising destination in India's semiconductor journey, with recent sectoral approvals reflecting growing confidence in its potential for high-technology and future-ready manufacturing, he said, adding that the development on the LWE (Left-wing Extremism) front will further help develop the state.
Modi also appreciated the Majhi government for "exceptional work" in the last two years.
"The people have placed immense faith in this team and I am confident that no stone will be left unturned to fulfill people's dreams," the PM said.
He named Subhadra Yojana, a women empowerment scheme, as one such step taken by the Majhi government.
He also praised Majhi for preserving and promoting the Odia language, culture, and heritage.
"One of the areas where the Centre will continue supporting Odisha is sports and youth empowerment. Odisha being selected to host the 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships is a matter of pride for the entire nation. Such sporting tournaments will showcase the strength and potential of Odisha to the world," he noted.
"Odisha will continue to attain new milestones of prosperity. The central government will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Odisha in advancing our shared resolve of Viksit Odisha for Viksit Bharat," Modi added.