The Raj Bhavan Odisha on Sunday launched its coffee table book on a memorable occasion when the nation paid tributes to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and at a time when Odisha is in the 80th year of its formation.
The book captioned as ‘Through the Prism of Time: Odisha and its Raj Bhavans’ commemorates the glory and the grandeur of the three magnificent Raj Bhavans of Odisha in Puri, Cuttack and Bhubaneswar in a befitting way. The book attempts to chronicle the journey of Odisha through the last eight decades, its rich art and culture, history and traditions, folk culture, handlooms and handicrafts, grand architecture and rich legacies.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the plus 160-page book in the presence of intellectuals, bureaucrats, academicians, litterateurs and cultural exponents in the packed Abhishek Hall of the Raj Bhavan.
Patnaik observed, “This book, aptly titled, gives us glimpses of the remarkable journey of Odisha from the earliest recorded history to the present time.” He eulogised Governor Dr SC Jamir for his efforts to bring out this rare book. He said the year 2016 symbolises the resplendent history of Odisha as in its 80th year as a separate entity observing the birth centenary of Biju Patnaik.
Citing Odisha’s emergence as a hub of educational excellence and describing it as a land of massive potential and immense opportunities, the Chief Minister reiterated his Government’s commitment to the State’s progress in every sphere.
Governor Dr Jamir said, “It is a proud moment for us. The book encompasses many dimensions of Odisha and details a journey that is unique in many ways.” He hoped that rich stories woven with authentic and compelling photographs of rare value recording the ancient roots of Odisha’s unique identity and fruits of modern governance would provide deep insight to readers and enlighten them.
The Governor described the Raj Bhavan as one of the finest institutions, the credit of which largely goes to an illustrious band of luminaries of Governors of the past and to successive Governments which respected the sanctity for its Constitutional competence and so steered clear of controversies. He said readers would find the book as a companion to travel to the past, analyse the present in its progress and aim for a brighter and better future. He called upon people of the State to strive tirelessly to make Odisha great.
Noted poet Padma Bibhusan Dr Sitakant Mahapatra said the Raj Bhavan represents not only the regal insignia but also adorned the people who were statesmen and who with their experience, expertise and wisdom shaped the destinies of the State and the nation.
Earlier, noted translator Prof Jatindra Kumar Nayak representing the editorial board of the book shared his experience and highlighted the dignity of the Raj Bhavan. Personal Secretary to Governor Pradeep Kumar Rath gave welcome address and PRO to Governor Sangram Deobhanj gave a vote of thanks. Prominent among others present were Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi and Principal Secretary to Governor CJ Venugopal.