The statue unveiling comes a day after CM Majhi's visit to Rourkela

Odisha CM Majhi Unveils Birsa Munda Statue in Paderu, Signals Focus on Tribal Development


Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today unveiled a statue of the iconic freedom fighter in Paderu, Alluri Sitharama Raju district, as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of tribal leader Birsa Munda. This event brought together local residents, tribal leaders, and government officials to honour Birsa Munda’s legacy.

The statue unveiling comes a day after CM Majhi’s visit to Rourkela, where he named a road in the city after Birsa Munda and inaugurated development projects worth INR 1,345 crore, with additional foundation stones for projects totalling INR 609 crore in Sundargarh district, according to PTI. Some local media, including Odisha News Times, reported that the total value of projects announced could be as high as INR 1,954 crore, suggesting a broader set of initiatives under the state’s tribal development programme.

During today’s ceremony, CM Majhi emphasised the importance of remembering Birsa Munda, who led tribal uprisings against British colonial rule and championed the rights and dignity of indigenous communities. Tribal leaders attending the Paderu event highlighted the need for sustained government attention to education, healthcare, and sustained livelihood.

The CM’s dual visits—Rourkela on November 15 and Paderu on November 16—reflect Odisha’s continued effort to combine symbolic recognition of tribal icons with tangible development measures. These initiatives include infrastructure, livelihood support, and welfare schemes tailored to benefit tribal communities, aligning with broader state objectives of social equity and empowerment.