Naveen Pays Rich Tributes To Gandhi And Gopabandhu On Utkal Dibas

Cuttack: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today paid rich tributes to father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi and Utkalamani Pandit Gopabandhu Dash on the occasion of Utkal Dibas. On this auspicious occasion, Naveen also unveiled two important sculptures in Cuttack. During his visit to Cuttack today, Naveen unveiled the Statue of Utkalamani Gopabandhu Das named as the Statue of Humanity at the Cantonment Road. He also inaugurated the bronze mural sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi at Belleview square commemorating the visit of Mahatma Gandhi to Cuttack.

Speaking on the occasion, Naveen said when we think of humanity in Odisha we remember Gopabandhu first. He has been the source of inspiration for many in helping the poor and destitute. As a symbol of Humanity, the statue of Gopabandhu will inspire people to serve the poor and needy.

From 23rd March this year, Odisha is celebrating the centenary of arrival of Mahatma Gandhi to the state. In his first visit to the state, he came to Cuttack and addressed a huge gathering on the banks of Kathajodi river. To commemorate this occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled the High Relief Mural Sculpture of the Mahatma at the Bellview square. Ahimsa and truthfulness are the two best contributions of India to the world. As a preacher of Ahimsa Gandhiji gave the whole world a new philosophy which has great importance today.

Mahatma Gandhi had come to Odisha eight times between 1921 and 1946 and visited various places to make himself aware of the issues and difficulties of Odisha. He strongly supported the formation of a separate state of Odisha. On this occasion, Naveen said, “Today, on the occasion of Utkal Dibas, the principles and philosophy of the two legendary personalities of the world – Gandhiji and Gopabandhu, will inspire the youth to serve the country.”