The Odisha Government has taken a major step toward preserving the legacy of the state’s legendary personalities by holding the first State-Level Project Management Committee meeting for the Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojna. The meeting was chaired by Suryabanshi Suraj at the conference hall of the Culture Department in Bhubaneswar.

During the meeting, the minister interacted with district collectors from various districts through virtual mode and reviewed the progress and implementation strategy of the ambitious scheme.

Scheme Aims to Preserve Legacy of Great Personalities

The Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojna aims to preserve the heritage and legacy of Odisha’s eminent personalities by developing their birthplace villages as cultural heritage centres. Under the scheme, ancestral houses of these personalities will be converted into museums, and statues will be installed to commemorate their contributions.

The government also plans to build facilities such as interpretation centres, libraries, conference halls, and open-air theatres in these villages. These initiatives are expected to help people, especially the younger generation, learn about the lives and ideals of Odisha’s great leaders and freedom fighters.

Boost to Local Economy and Cultural Tourism

Apart from preserving history, the scheme will also promote local livelihoods. Sales centres will be established to promote local cuisine, handicrafts, and handloom products. Cultural programmes, seminars, and discussions based on the lives of these personalities will also be organised regularly.

The minister emphasized that these villages should eventually be developed as tourist destinations, which will create new employment opportunities for local communities while promoting Odisha’s rich art and cultural traditions.

25 Eminent Personalities Identified in First Phase

In the first phase of the scheme, the government has identified 25 eminent personalities from across Odisha. Up to ₹15 crore will be spent on developing each birthplace village, with a total estimated expenditure of around ₹345 crore.

Among those included in the first phase are freedom fighters and cultural icons such as Veer Surendra Sai, Baji Rout, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Laxman Naik, Ramadevi Choudhury and Harekrushna Mahatab, among others.

Land Identification and Community Participation

The minister directed district collectors to identify 2–3 acres of land in the villages of these personalities or nearby areas for the development of project infrastructure. He also stressed the importance of involving family members, relatives, and local residents in the planning and development process.

Officials have been instructed to ensure proper maintenance of facilities such as museums, interpretation centres, and libraries, while also promoting local art forms and community participation.

Inspiring Future Generations

Speaking during the meeting, Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the scheme will play a crucial role in preserving the ideals and sacrifices of Odisha’s great personalities.

“The Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojna will help the younger generation understand the contributions of these great leaders and inspire them to follow their values,” he said.

Senior officials including Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, Dipankar Mahapatra, and Deba Prasad Dash attended the meeting along with representatives from various government departments.

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