Lok Niwas Ladakh celebrates Utkal Divas/Odisha Day under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Initiative.

Lok Niwas Ladakh celebrates Utkal Divas/Odisha Day under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Initiative.
Leh, April 01: Utkal Divas, also known as Odisha Statehood Day, was celebrated with enthusiasm and cultural pride at Lok Niwas, Leh, under the aegis of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative. The celebration aimed at fostering unity, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding among people of different states and Union Territories.
Utkal Divas is observed every year on April 1 to commemorate the formation of Odisha in 1936 as a separate province.
Speaking on the occasion, Under Secretary Sumera Shafi extended her heartfelt greetings to personnel from Odisha serving in Ladakh. She drew parallels between Odisha and Ladakh, highlighting the deep spiritual ethos of their people and the architectural richness of both regions. She appreciated Odisha’s magnificent temple architecture, particularly the iconic Sun Temple Konark, and noted similarities with Ladakh’s renowned Buddhist monasteries.
She also highlighted the shared tribal cultural heritage of Odisha and Ladakh, emphasising the strong community bonds and traditions preserved in both regions. Praising the dedication of personnel from Odisha serving in Ladakh, she saluted their patriotism and valour in performing their duties in the harsh and challenging conditions of the cold desert region.
Personnel from Odisha serving in Ladakh expressed their gratitude to the UT Administration for organising the celebration. They described Ladakh as their “second home” and shared their experiences of adapting to the high-altitude conditions after initial challenges. They also highlighted Odisha’s rich cultural and historical legacy, including the significance of the Kalinga War, after which Emperor Ashoka embraced the path of non-violence and Buddhism.
They further spoke about the spiritual importance of the Jagannath Temple Puri, one of the revered Char Dham pilgrimage sites, inviting the people of Ladakh to visit Odisha and seek blessings at the sacred shrine.
The event reaffirmed the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat by showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Odisha and strengthening the bonds of unity and brotherhood among people from different parts of the country.
The celebration was attended by Chief Accounts Officer Tsewang Dorji, Under Secretaries- Sumera Shafi and Deachen Chondol, along with officials and staff of Lok Niwas and the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat.