Tributes paid to Gangadhar Meher in Odisha capital

Reported by Santosh Jagdev

Bhubaneswar, Aug 10:

Six organizations based in the Odisha capital today celebrated the 153th Birth Anniversary of Swabhaba Kabi Gangadhar Meher here at Nalco Square. The organisations are Gangadhar Mehar Jayanti Committee, Gangadhar Meher Pratisthan, Utkal Sammalini, International Theatre, Paschim Odisha Agrani Sangathan (POAS) and Bhubaneswar Bhulia Samaj.

Gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest, the Minister for Tourism and Culture Ashok Panda offered floral tributes to the Statue of Gangadhar Meher and lighted the ceremonial lamp.

Addressing the gathering, Panda remembered the contribution of Gangadhar Meher, Pathani Samanta and Bhima Bhoi to the society. The Minister said Meher made a significant contribution in the formation of Odisha Pradesh while the Bhasha Andolan (Language movement) was successful because of his keen involvement.

The Minister also urged the gathering to pay more attention to the development of their Matru Bhasa (mother tongue) which can go a long way in building a better society.

On the occasion, local MLA Priyadarshi Mishra and Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Tourism and Culture, Arabinda Padhee assured all possible help and cooperation from the Government for the enrichment of this great culture and preservation of the memory of the great sons of the soil.

Among others, Narendra Mishra, former former Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University of Culture, Siva Sankar Mishra, president, POAS, Chudamani Seth, Additional Secretary to Government and Dr Prakash Chandra Panigrahi, President of Niladrivihar Youth & Cultural Association were present on the occasion.

While Dillip Dash Sharma, Secretary of Jayanti Committee welcomed all the dignitaries, Mihir Meher, the chairman of committee proposed the vote of thanks.