In the last two decades, under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Odisha has seen a tremendous transformation in terms of preserving its identity and protecting its cultural and traditional ethos.
Odisha, a land of unique cultural diversities and identity, is today on a trajectory that aims to take it to the highest position in every sphere of growth – be it economic or human development. Its genesis is so strong and deep-rooted that it holds a unique position in the country. Odisha as an independent state and its people – the Odias – have carved a niche for themselves. Centuries of struggle and the efforts of some Swabhimani Odias resulted in the state being able to achieve a position as it is today. While their efforts could not be forgotten, the present-day Odisha needs to protect and promote its identity even more vehemently.
Odisha came into existence in 1936 as an independent state due to its own distinctiveness. Its people are different and so as so its culture, language, traditions and specific needs. It is the first state in the country to be carved out as a separate entity on the basis of language. The purpose of its creation is to safeguard the identity and promoting the cause of its people – the Odias.
Today, India is on the verge of a rapid growth of external and majority nationalism. In this era, it becomes a priority for Odisha to stand up and work for strengthening its unique identity. For years since independence, the rulers have perceived Odisha in a national perspective and for them it has been just another state to rule. But today, as Odisha is reinventing itself, it has chosen its destiny. It wants to protect its identity and fight for its cause. In the last two decades, under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Odisha has seen a tremendous transformation in terms of preserving its identity and protecting its cultural and traditional ethos.
The political environment in the country today is overshadowed with the cloud of national parties centered around the cause of majority nationalism. Though nationalism is needed when it comes to the whole country, the needs and concerns of states such as Odisha need to be more emphasized. The political parties ruling at the center are not giving Odisha its due acknowledgment. They have just made the state another pawn in the game of politics. Today, when the national parties are busy with their agenda of nationalism, it becomes empirical to protect the identity of Odisha and its people. This needs a force that is rooted in the ground and has an outward vision. Biju Janata Dal led by chief minister Naveen Patnaik today has become that force to reckon with.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is at the helm of Odisha politics for more than two decades now and has created a path which promises the state of Odisha a unique identity in the country and protecting its interest. Unlike other political parties being controlled remotely by their central leadership, the Biju Janata Dal has been striving to reinstate the Swabhiman of Odia People.
Speaking on his commitment towards the people and the state, Naveen made a strong point for Odia Swabhiman at the Biju Juba Janata Dal meeting. According to him, “In a state formed on linguistic basis, the very purpose of creation is defeated if it is governed by national parties whose agenda is majority nationalism. Odias are a drop in the ocean for national parties whereas for a regional party like Biju Janata Dal, the Odias are its ocean and its existence depends on protecting the identity of Odias and promoting their cause.
Speaking on the occasion of Biju Janata Dal’s Executive Body Meeting, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has once again emphasized the Odia Swabhiman and reminded all how national parties lack the vision and will for the development of a state like Odisha.
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