Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has taken a significant step to honor the legacy of its cultural and historical icons by installing statues of eminent personalities across various districts in the state. The decision, finalized by the Department of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture, was announced following a meeting chaired by Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.
The initiative aims to celebrate individuals who have made remarkable contributions to Odisha’s cultural, literary, and historical heritage. “The contributions of these eminent personalities are timeless and serve as a lasting source of inspiration for the youth,” said Minister Suraj.
After reviewing proposals from public representatives, distinguished individuals, and district administrations, a comprehensive list of personalities and their respective statue locations has been prepared. Among those to be honored are:
- Bhajan Samrat Bhikari Bal in Kendrapara
- Dharmasingh Mandhata Majhi in Balangir
- Kuntala Kumari Sabat and Shekhar Chintamani Mohanty in Bhubaneswar
- Kabisamrat Upendra Bhanja in Berhampur
- Gokulananda Mahanty in Bhadrak
- Ratana Nayak in Keonjhar
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Veer Surendra Sai in Sambalpur
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Madhusudan Das, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Cuttack
- Gangadhar Meher in Bargarh
- Fakir Mohan Senapati and Bagha Jatin in Balasore
- Buddhist scholar Dignaga in Delang, Puri
- Tamma Dora in Malkangiri
- Baji Rout in Bhubaneswar
Additionally, statues of Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati and Shridhara Swami, the first Odia Shankaracharya, will also be installed.
Minister Suraj emphasized that these individuals have played pivotal roles in shaping Odisha’s identity, from their contributions to the freedom struggle to their influence on the state’s language, literature, and culture. “Their achievements are invaluable and deserving of perpetual respect. These statues will not only honor their memory but also serve as an enduring inspiration for future generations,” he added.