Centenary celebrations to commemorate Mahatma’s visit to Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The State Cabinet today decided to organize celebrations for one year from March 23, 2021 to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi first visit to Odisha on March 23, 1921. During his first visit to the State, Mahatma addressed a historic gathering on the river bed of Kathajodi in Cuttack on the day.

Mahatma visited Odisha eight times during the period 1921-1946.

An official said the centenary celebration will inspire the people of Odisha, especially youths, on the ideals and principles of Mahatma, and above all his mantra of Ahimsa and the magnitude of his greatness.

In another significant decision taken by the State Cabinet, the entire history of Odia heritage and the life history of the great sons from ancient times till the modern age will find place in text books and additional text books. These topics will be selected by a special process for Class-VII, VIII and IX.

Also, students who win various competitions on these topics will be awarded and annual scholarships will be provided to them. A committee of eminent persons and educationists will be formed for this, the official added.

The State Cabinet also decided to convert the birth places of legendary sons of the soil to model villages. Their birth and death anniversaries will be celebrated with appropriate honour and respect, the official said.