Odisha CM inaugurates 400-bed hostel at Shailabala Women’s College, lays stone for new academic block

Cuttack: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today inaugurated a new hostel at Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College here.

The new hostel, built with an expenditure of Rs 10 crore, can accommodate 400 girls, sources said.

The Chief Minister also laid foundation stone for a multi-storey building at the institute on virtual mode.

The state government will spend Rs 35 crore on the project. The proposed building will be utilized for administrative and academic purposes, sources added.

“Today is the birth anniversary of Shailabala Das, one of the most revered women leaders of Odisha. I pay my heartiest tributes to her on this occasion,” said the Chief Minister while address the students and teachers on the occasion.

In an era, when women were in a deeply marginalised condition, Shailabal Das, the daughter of Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das, was in the forefront of a mass movement for women’s socio-cultural and educational upliftment and empowerment, Patnaik said.

“The vision of our legendary leaders for the women of Odisha is now taking shape. Women are now leading every sector of our socio-economic aspects,” said the Chief Minister.

From education to research, from sports to art & culture, and from science and technology to trade, commerce and industries, women are pioneering a new era for themselves. I believe that the 21st Century will be the century of women, he added.

“As students, you must have your dreams for your future. I would suggest that you should never ever compromise on your dreams to settle for smaller things. You have immense potential. You have all the abilities to change your own life and the future of our nation as well. Dream big and work hard to realise your aspirations in life,” said the Chief Minister on the occasion.

The state government will take the necessary steps to make Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College as one of the most glorious institutions of our country, he added.

“I congratulate each and every one associated with the long and remarkable journey of this institute. Each dust particle of this college campus is imbibed with generosity, patriotism and carries on its shoulders the dignity of the culture of Odia people,” said the Chief Minister.