Bhubaneswar: The date March 23, 1921 holds a special significance for the people of Odisha. It was on this day that Mahatma Gandhi set his foot for the first time on Odisha soil. The state is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Odisha.
Gandhiji came to Cuttack on a train and reached the Kathajodi river bed to address a historic gathering.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik addressed the legislative Assembly recently to commemorate the occasion. “Odisha had a special place in the heart of Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma visited Odisha eight times and I am glad that this August Assembly is commemorating the 100th anniversary of Gandhi’s first visit to Odisha on 23rd March, 1921. During his visits to Odisha, Mahatma Gandhi extensively travelled in different parts of the state and interacted with cross-sections of the people. He took numerous ‘padayatras’ through which he became very close to the hearts of people of Odisha. His visits created greater awareness about various social issues apart from energising the Freedom Movement,” Patnaik said.
“Of all the things that India as a country has given the world, Gandhi’s philosophy and his message stands out as one of its greatest contributions,” added Patnaik.
These are no ordinary times. As we battle the pandemic, one can’t help but reflect on the collective nature of this challenge we face. The world has been strongly reminded that no bubbles of wealth and growth matter if large sections of the population live in poverty and vulnerability. We are all connected, and the Mahatma’s life and his message is more important than ever. His emphasis on the shunning of individual greed and his exhortation to think of the community is the reminder that the world needs.
There is also an increasing polarisation and divisiveness globally. Gandhi’s commitment to pluralism and his message of tolerance and harmony is as relevant now as it was then. The Mahatma’s non-violent resistance is a spark that ignited peaceful movement around the world.
And what better place to remember this eternal idea than on this land, the land of Kalinga, that inspired the repudiation of war by Ashoka two millennium ago. I recall, Martin Luther King, JR once said. “If Humanity is to progress, Gandhi is inescapable… We may ignore at own risk” I consider this statement to be relevant for today’s world as well.
“When Mahatma came to Odisha for the first time in 1921 Odisha was not a separate Province. The aspirations of Millions of Odia speaking people became a reality in 1936. When Gandhi came to Odisha for the last time in January, 1946, Odisha was nearly a decade old, as a linguistic province. How the people of Odisha judiciously blended their linguistic, regional aspirations with the National Goal was a brilliant case study,” Patnaik said.
I take this opportunity to say that my Government is totally committed to the Principles and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. Renaming our Secretariat as “Loka Seva Bhawan” was not a symbolism. It is our Article of Faith. As this August House pays its tributes to Mahatma, with a sense of gratitude, let me conclude by reminding ourselves the Talisman, Gandhi gave to us. I quote: “I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him. Will he gain anything by it? Will it restore him to control over his own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to Swaraj for the hungry and spiritually starving millions,” Naveen said.
PNN