Bhubaneswar: Today, on April 1, 1936, Odisha was formed as a separate state. It has been 88 years since the formation of a separate Odisha state. It is a day of pride and glory for every Orthodox. Odisha was born as the first linguistic state of the country on this day. Utkal was recognized as a state today. In this memory, Utkal Day is celebrated every year on April 1st.
The revolution was going on for three decades to give special status to Odisha. Earlier, Utkal was divided and merged with other states. The western part of the state i.e. today’s West Odisha Sambalpur was merged with Madhya Pradesh, North Odisha was included in Bang Pradesh. Similarly some parts were under Bihar and Madras Presidency.
First Odisha state was formed by 6 districts Cuttack, Puri, Baleswar, Sambalpur, Koraput and Ganjam. On January 26, 1950, 7 more districts were added to Odisha, making the total 13 districts. In 1992 Odisha’s 13 districts were re-divided into 30 districts.
The heroes of Odisha like Utkal Gurum Madhusudan Das, Maharaja Krishnachandra Gajapati, Maharaja Sriramchandra Bhanjdeo, Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, Byasakabi Fakirmohan senapati, Radhanath Ray, Swabhabakabi Gangadhar Meher fought for the formation of a separate Odisha province. In 1903, the first ‘Utkal Conference’ was formed due to the efforts of this hero. On April 1, 1936, a separate state of Odisha was formed after a chaotic struggle.
Odisha’s art, literature, culture, trade and tourism are unique. The art and architecture of our temples have created a unique place in the world. Our nation is a fighting nation. The history of our sacrifices is long. The role of Pike’s struggle in the freedom of the country will always be written in golden letters in history. This date tells the story of the struggle for the protection of identity of Odisha.
To make this day memorable, the people of the state will celebrate Odisha Day in a big way. Major government offices in the capital have been decorated with colorful lights for Utah Day.
