BHUBANESWAR/NAYAGARH: President Droupadi Murmu has called for development of Kaliapalli in Nayagarh as a popular tourist destination.
Attending the foundation day ceremony of Bharatiya Biswabasu Shabar Samaj at Kaliapalli on Monday, the President said the place has the potential to become a popular tourist destination and development of infrastructure in the area would attract tourists and pilgrims.
Speaking about tribal lifestyle, she said a nature-friendly lifestyle is the characteristic of Indian culture and also an integral part of tribal life. “Tribal brothers and sisters worship forests, trees etc., as gods. According to tribal beliefs, the souls of their ancestors reside in the forest. This belief is a great mantra of forest protection,” the President added.
She added that the government is implementing various schemes for empowerment and self-reliance of tribal brothers and sisters while preserving and promoting their art and culture. She urged them to be aware about the welfare schemes and take advantage of them.
Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi accompanied the President. Majhi said the Centre’s Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, which aims for the holistic development of tribal communities and villages, will cover 7,667 villages of 27 districts in Odisha.
“After the BJP government was formed in Odisha, it has sanctioned funds for development of Nayagarh region. This includes Rs 15 crore for construction of Pathani Samanta planetarium, Rs 6 crore for setting up of a science park and Rs 2 crore for development of Pathani Samanta Smruti Peetha,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the President travelled to Nayagarh from Bhubaneswar and offered prayers at the Lord Nilamadhab temple.