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The year 2036 will mark 100 years since the formation of Odisha, a milestone that holds immense historical, cultural, and developmental importance.
Formed on April 1, 1936, as the first Indian state to be established on the basis of linguistic identity, Odisha's centenary is more than a ceremonial event as it represents a visionary roadmap for the state’s transformation into a modern, inclusive, and prosperous society.
The Birth of Odisha: A Linguistic Identity Realised
Odisha’s creation in 1936 was a landmark moment in India's history. Carved out of the Bihar and Orissa Provinces, the new province brought together regions like Cuttack, Puri, Balasore, Sambalpur, Ganjam, and Koraput, with a population of over eight million.
Leaders such as Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das led the movement, culminating in the Third Round Table Conference in London, where Odisha’s linguistic and cultural identity was strongly articulated.
This advocacy laid the foundation for India’s later reorganisation of states on linguistic lines, making Odisha a pioneer in linguistic federalism.
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Vision 2036: An Ambitious Blueprint for Growth
To commemorate its centenary, the Odisha government has launched Vision 2036, a wide-ranging developmental strategy aimed at turning Odisha into a $500 billion economy. Key components of this vision include:
- 36 flagship initiatives under the ‘36 for 36’ programme covering health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, innovation, and women’s empowerment.
- Goals to create one crore jobs, with a special focus on enabling 70% workforce participation by women.
- Development of urban corridors such as Cuttack–Bhubaneswar–Puri and Jharsuguda–Bargarh–Sambalpur.
- Use of Artificial Intelligence in governance, making Odisha the first Indian state to integrate AI for public feedback and policy design.
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Odisha and India@100: Aligning with Vision 2047
With India set to complete 100 years of independence in 2047, Odisha aims to contribute significantly to the national growth trajectory.
The state’s efforts to build smart cities, enhance climate resilience, and become a manufacturing and tourism powerhouse tie directly into India's Viksit Bharat initiative.
Empowering Communities and Driving Equity
Through initiatives like Subhadra Yojana, Odisha has already empowered over 1 crore women to achieve financial independence.
The 2036 vision aims to ensure equal rights, safety, and access for all women across sectors. It also seeks to develop villages to urban standards, ensuring universal access to healthcare, education, clean water, and reliable electricity.
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While the roadmap is bold, the challenges are real. The state is blending historic legacy with technological innovation, cultural pride with economic aspiration. With sustained efforts, strategic planning, and people-centric governance, 2036 could well be remembered as the year Odisha redefined its destiny once again.
