Governor of Assam Gulab Chand Kataria extended warm wishes on the occasion of Utkal Divas which was celebrated with enthusiasm in Guwahati. Organised by Raj Bhavan Assam in collaboration with Kalinga Sanskritika Sansada, Guwahati, the event  was graced by the presence of Governor Kataria and other distinguished guests, including Dr Ravi Kota, IAS, Chief Secretary of Assam, MK Yadav, Special Chief Secretary to Government of Assam, SN Singh, IPS, Director General of Civil Defence and Home Guards, Assam, Meenakshi Sundaram, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary to Governor of Assam, Dhurba Charan Bal, General Manager, State Bank of India, Guwahati Circle, and Dr. R P Das, Vice Chancellor of KK Handique Open University, Guwahati.

In his address, Governor Kataria extended warm wishes to the citizens on Utkal Divas, commemorating the foundation of Utkal Prant as India’s first linguistic State on April 1, 1936. He emphasized the invaluable contributions of iconic figures like Madhusudan Das, Utkal-Mani Gopabandhu Das, Maharaj Krishna Chandra Gajapati, and others who played pivotal roles in shaping Odisha’s rich heritage and identity.

Highlighting the spiritual and cultural connections between Assam and Odisha, Governor Kataria emphasized the deep-rooted historical and civilization ties that transcend geographical distances. He praised the efforts of Kalinga Sanskritika Sansada in fostering cultural bonds and recalled the contributions of eminent personalities like Srimanta Sankardeva, whose legacy continues to strengthen the bond between the two states.

Manoranjan Dash, of Kalinga Sanskritika Sansada, Guwahati reiterated the importance of preserving Odia culture and heritage among the diaspora in Assam and highlighted the ongoing efforts to construct a Jagannath Temple cum Vedic cultural center in Guwahati.

PK Mishra in his speech recalled the history of freedom movement in Odisha and the heroes of making Odisha a state on the basis of language. He reflected on the historical significance of Utkal Divas, marking Odisha’s journey towards statehood and its enduring cultural legacy.

Dr RP Das, VC, KK Handique Open University, in his speech reiterated the history of Odisha and the significance of celebration of Utkal Divas elaborately.

On this occasion Governor of Odisha Raghubar Das sent a message highlighting the history of Odisha and Utkal Divas and extending the greetings to Kalinga Sanskritika Sansada and Odia brothers and sisters in Assam for organising Utkal Divas at GMCH Auditorium Guwahati.