Bhubaneswar: Marking the 80th Independence Day of the nation, Odisha joined the rest of the country in grand celebrations on August 15, 2026. 

Addressing a large gathering at Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi delivered an inspiring address highlighting India's glorious freedom struggle, the monumental strides made under proactive national leadership, and the state government's targeted roadmap for a "Vikasit Odisha" (Developed Odisha).

Honouring the martyrs and freedom fighters

Recalling the sacrifices of freedom fighters, the Chief Minister paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Veer Surendra Sai, Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das, and legendary tribal leaders of the Paika Rebellion like Buxi Jagabandhu and Jayee Rajguru. He emphasized that Odisha's rich legacy of resistance—from the Paika Bidroha of 1817 to various tribal uprisings—formed an integral backbone of India's freedom movement.

Key highlights of the Chief Minister's address

Eradication of LWE: Highlighting a major internal security milestone, the Chief Minister noted that the coordinated efforts of the central and state leadership have successfully brought an end to Left-Wing Extremism (Red Terror) in Odisha, paving the way for accelerated infrastructure and development in previously affected districts.

Historic Educational Reforms: Reaffirming the state's commitment to quality education, the government has made education entirely free from KG to PG across all state-run schools, colleges, and universities. Additionally, free textbooks will now be extended to students of Classes 9 and 10 alongside midday meal provisions.

Empowering Farmers and Women: Highlighting the role of the state's Anndatas (farmers) and Narisakti (women), the Chief Minister reiterated continuous support through initiatives like PM-Kisan, CM-Kisan, the Subhadra scheme, and Lakhpati Didi programs, ensuring financial independence and social security for millions.

Industrial Boom and Reverse Migration: Driven by investor-friendly policies, Odisha has attracted ₹21 lakh crore in investment proposals over the past two years, with ₹3.5 lakh crore in projects already inaugurated or grounded. This industrial surge is generating employment and driving a wave of reverse migration back to the state.

Massive Infrastructure Push: The state is currently allocating 6.5% of its GSDP—the highest proportionately in the country—toward infrastructure. Key projects include the BKPPER economic zone, the Puri International Airport, and three major expressways (Namo Express Way and Atal Express Way) involving an investment of ₹31,000 crore.

Age Limit Relaxation for Youth: In a major relief for job aspirants, the upper age limit for government employment has been increased from 32 to 42 years, and the cap of six attempts for the Odisha Civil Services examination has been removed.

The Roadmap to 2036 and 2047

The Chief Minister concluded the address by urging the citizens of Odisha to unite with a renewed sense of Odia Asmita (Odia identity) and pride. He declared that the upcoming decade belongs to Odisha, setting clear milestones: "Samrudha Odisha" by 2036 and contributing significantly to a "Vikasit Bharat" by 2047.

The event concluded with patriotic fervor, resonating with slogans of Vande Mataram, Bharat Mata Ki Jay, and Vande Utkal Janani.