Varanasi: Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya, Secretary of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Government of Odisha, addressed a conclave in Kashi, highlighting the deep cultural and spiritual ties between Odisha and Uttar Pradesh while recognizing the vital role of the Pravasi Odia community in shaping the state’s growth.
Speaking to a gathering of Odia diaspora living in Varanasi, Dr. Upadhyaya expressed gratitude for their presence and praised them as cultural ambassadors of Odisha. He remarked that regardless of where they reside, members of the community carry the essence of Odisha through its language, festivals, cuisine, art, music, and the spirit of Lord Jagannatha.
Dr. Upadhyaya emphasized the ancient spiritual connection linking Kashi and Puri, pointing out that Baba Vishwanath’s Kashi and Lord Jagannath’s Srikhetra Puri represent two foundational pillars of Indian civilization. He underscored that despite differences in language and traditions, a shared cultural soul aligns with the Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where diversity acts as the nation’s core strength.
The programme was attended by Smt. Pravati Parida, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, as Chief Guest; Shri Anil Rajbhar, Hon’ble Minister for Labour and Employment, Coordination, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya, IAS, Secretary, Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Government of Odisha; Padma Shri Sribhas Chandra Supakar; Prof. Gopabandhu Mishra, President, Varanasi Odia Samaj; and Shri Prateek Hira, Chairperson, FICCI UP Tourism Committee, as Guests of Honour.
Addressing the national ambition of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, he stated that the vision extends beyond economic metrics to creating a prosperous, inclusive, and modern India anchored in its heritage. Aligned with this national roadmap and under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Odisha aims to build a prosperous, empowered, and self-reliant state by 2036, the centenary of its formation, positioning itself as a key growth engine for the nation by 2047.
Dr. Upadhyaya called upon Pravasi Odias worldwide to actively participate as key stakeholders in this developmental journey. He noted that Odisha seeks development alongside identity, balancing modern infrastructure, investment, and job creation with the preservation of Jagannath culture, tribal heritage, handlooms, handicrafts, literature, and performing arts.
Acknowledging the rapid transformation of Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath across infrastructure, tourism, and cultural rejuvenation, he described Kashi as a prime example where ancient heritage coexists with modern progress. He concluded by noting that the relationship between Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, represented by the bonds of Kashi and Puri as well as the Ganga and Mahanadi rivers, reflects a shared civilisational identity.