The 153rd birth anniversary of Swabhab Kabi Gangadhar Meher was observed at Nalco Square here on Sunday with Culture Minister Ashok Panda attending the event as the chief guest.
The function was held in joint collaboration of the Gangadhar Mehar Jayanti Committee, Gangadhar Meher Prtisthan, Utkal Sammalini, International Theatre, Paschim Odisha Agrani Sangathan and the Bhubaneswar Bhulia Samaj.
Panda recounted the contributions of Gangadhar, Pathani Samanta and Bhima Bhoi to the society. He highlighted Gangadhar’s contribution to the success of the Bhasa Andolan, which led to the formation of the separate State of Odisha. Panda urged everyone to focus on development of their own mother tongue, which is vital for building of a better society.
local MlA Priyadarshi Mishra and Culture Department Secretary Arabinda Padhee also spoke on the occasion. Among others, former Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University of Culture Narandra Mishra, Additional Secretary to Government Chudamani Seth, Niladrivihar Youth and Cultural Association president Dr Prakash Chandra Panigrahi and Jayanti Committee chairman Mihir Meher and Secretary Dillip Dash Sharma were present.