Sambalpur, Jan 6: On the 58th Foundation Day of Sambalpur University, Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the pivotal role the university and its students must play in addressing both social and educational challenges in Odisha.
He encouraged the institution’s students to take responsibility for solving issues related to drinking water, health, cancer treatment, agricultural problems, and environmental protection.
Pradhan, during his speech, unveiled statues of several iconic figures from Odisha’s literary and cultural history, including the saint-poet Bhima Bhoi, the poet Gangadhar Meher, the poet Radhanath Ray, the devotional poet Madhusudan Rao, and the epic poet Fakir Mohan Senapati, within the university campus.
Highlighting the university’s growing importance, Pradhan spoke about Odisha's ambitions to create institutions of global stature, comparable to Harvard, MIT, and Stanford universities. He emphasized the need to cultivate a knowledge-based economy in the state, positioning Sambalpur as a center for educational excellence.
Pradhan further noted that Sambalpur University is not just an academic institution but a hub for research, innovation, and the dissemination of knowledge. He urged the university community to engage actively in the region’s development, advocating for an educational approach that integrates local languages and indigenous knowledge systems.
The Union Minister also recognized the significant contributions of the university in enhancing Odisha's educational heritage. He highlighted the role of Sambalpur in shaping the state’s identity and culture, especially in the context of India’s independence struggle. He also paid tribute to the legendary freedom fighters from the region, such as Veer Surendra Sai and others, whose efforts continue to inspire generations.
On this occasion, Pradhan congratulated Dr. Pratibha Satapathy, a distinguished Oriya literary figure, who was awarded the Gangadhar National Poetry Award for her exceptional contribution to the literary world.
The ceremony also marked the unveiling of several key figures from Odisha’s literary and cultural heritage, reinforcing the university's commitment to preserving and promoting Odisha's rich legacy.
