Odisha is at Cusp between Tradition and Modernity: Naveen

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has always been an epitome of rich art, culture, literature and traditions that have been honed over centuries. These have had a major impact on the consciousness of millions across the globe. Today, Odisha is at the cusp between tradition and modernity which brings forth so many hues of life, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the tenth edition of Odisha Lit Fest of The New Indian Express.

The Chief Minister said, “Close to the beginning of 20th Century, one of our greatest writers Fakir Mohan Senapati came out with his mind blowing story of Rebati, the girl who was cursed for daring to study. That was the reality of Odisha in those times. Contrast this with the story of Karama Muduli in the third decade of 21st Century. A tribal girl from the remote Bonda hills comes to the capital city to realise her dreams with a flying colour by studying in RD Women’s University. The current story is the story of present day Odisha, a story of immense possibilities”.

“Not only this; Kalahandi is a district known long for its poverty. Now, Kalahandi is a major producer of rice in Odisha helping us to contribute to the national food distribution programme. So in sports. The national and international sporting community is looking to Odisha for conduct of their events. Look at our role during the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic. We led the move to supply oxygen all over the country to save people’s lives. We are also at the centre of attraction for investors. It’s a story of turn around. Numerous such stories speak on the giant leaps we are making in different fields”, he said.

The CM said, “For many years, my state has consistently outgrown the pace of national growth rate. We have been able to keep pace with the latest developments in technology to ensure equitable and inclusive growth. Our story of development has so many facets as lives are transformed in countless ways”.

“May it be food production or disaster management; May it be women empowerment or healthcare, sports, education or service delivery; transformational changes are visible all across the state. The stories of our transformation are creating buzz around the Nation and across the globe”.

The CM said, “Our state is filled with marvellous stories that depict concepts such as intuition, harmony, cooperation, sharing, and reverence for people’s lives. These concepts have manifested timelessly expressing themselves in a myriad of storytelling forms. The story of a confident Odisha is truly inspiring, timeless, and is a never-ending journey”.