Duty Over Diwali: Odisha CM Mohan Majhi Skips Festivities to Aid Flood Victims
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi forgo Diwali celebrations to meet and hear grievances from flood and cyclone-affected people in Keonjhar.
In a poignant gesture of solidarity, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi decided to forgo the traditional Diwali celebrations at his residence this year. Instead of the festivities, the Chief Minister spent his Sunday in Keonjhar, interacting directly with citizens and listening to the grievances of those whose lives were upturned by recent floods and Cyclone Arnab.
Prioritizing People Over Celebration
Choosing the hardships of his people over the lights of the festival, CM Majhi emphasized that the government's primary duty is to stand by those in distress. He stated that providing immediate relief and support to families suffering from the aftermath of natural calamities is a responsibility that outweighs any personal or official celebration.
"I have chosen not to celebrate Diwali; instead, I am choosing to remain among the people to help resolve their problems," the Chief Minister remarked.
Majhi further explained that celebrating any festival felt inappropriate while a significant portion of the population was facing immense hardship. He noted that even on a day meant for joy, there is critical work to be done, which is why he invited affected individuals to come forward and share their concerns so that timely solutions could be found.
A Commitment to Relief
The Chief Minister assured the public that he and his team of officials are working diligently to ensure that support reaches those who need it most. He stressed that the focus remains firmly on listening to the concerns of the victims and implementing practical solutions to alleviate their suffering.
Vision for a 'Samruddha Odisha'
This act of empathy follows the Chief Minister's address at the state-level Local Self-Government Day programme in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. During the event, Majhi highlighted the evolving urban landscape of the state, noting that the number of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) has grown from 115 to 143.
Looking toward the future, the CM shared startling projections regarding urbanization in the state:
- By 2036, approximately 40% of Odisha’s population is expected to reside in urban areas.
- By 2047, this figure is projected to rise to nearly 60%.
CM Majhi linked the national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) to the necessity of a ‘Samruddha Odisha’ (Prosperous Odisha). He argued that this prosperity is dependent on creating cities that are inclusive, safe, clean, and economically vibrant, with urban planning that keeps the needs of the growing population at its core.
Call to Action for Local Leaders
The Chief Minister also issued a call to action for Mayors, Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons, Corporators, and Councillors. He urged these local representatives to maintain a deep connection with the people, treating their problems as their own and coordinating closely with officials to ensure that solutions are delivered within a set timeframe.