Odisha Celebrates Revolutionary Dharanidhar Nayak’s Birth Anniversary with ₹1,155 Crore Development Push in Keonjhar

Bhubaneswar: The birth anniversary of legendary freedom fighter Dharanidhar Nayak was celebrated with great fervor today at his ancestral village Kusumita in Keonjhar district, with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi leading the state-level observance and announcing a slew of development projects to honor the revolutionary’s legacy.

Marking the occasion, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a memorial museum and interpretation center at Kusumita, to be built at a cost of ₹50 crore. This heritage complex will include a museum preserving Dharanidhar’s ancestral home, personal belongings, and historical narratives, along with a tourist park and other amenities.

In a major boost to regional development, CM Majhi also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 340 projects in the district, with a combined investment of approximately ₹1,155 crore. These projects span across education, healthcare, transportation, irrigation, and industry, signaling a transformative shift for Keonjhar’s future.

Speaking to a large gathering, CM Majhi hailed Dharanidhar Nayak as a symbol of both revolution and spirituality. “He lit the torch of rebellion in his youth and embraced spiritual pursuits later in life. His life teaches us the value of integrity, sacrifice, and service to the nation,” he said. The Chief Minister affirmed that the state government is committed to immortalizing the contributions of such icons by celebrating their birth anniversaries at their birthplaces, reinforcing Odisha’s pride and cultural identity.

Highlighting Odisha’s industrial trajectory, Majhi announced that JSW will soon establish a mega steel plant in Keonjhar, with an initial investment of ₹35,000 crore. In total, 30 projects worth ₹1,29,800 crore are being planned for the district, expected to generate employment for 30,000 to 35,000 youth. “Today, the fight is not for independence but for development, and Keonjhar will be at the heart of Odisha’s economic growth,” he declared.

Adding to the state’s tribute, the Chief Minister also announced that a guest house in Bhubaneswar will be built in memory of Dharanidhar Nayak, further deepening efforts to preserve and promote his legacy.

Minister for Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Suryabanshi Suraj, lauded Dharanidhar Nayak as a “symbol of Odisha’s pride” and called upon citizens to draw inspiration from his enduring revolutionary spirit.

During the event, Kangali Charan Nayak from Keonjhar was honored with the Dharanidhar Award. The program saw addresses by local representatives including MP Ananta Nayak, MLAs Fakir Mohan Nayak, Akhila Chandra Nayak, and Sanatan Mahakud. Dharanidhar’s descendant Kalakar Nayak was present, and a detailed report on the Bhuyan community’s cultural heritage was presented by Shyam Sundar Nayak, Secretary of the Bhuyan Cultural Organization.