Odisha CM urges people to recite ‘Bande Utkal Janani’ to motivate Covid-19 warriors

BHUBANESWAR: Taking a leaf out of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to boost morale of the frontline workers in the fight against the novel Coronavirus, chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday urged Odias across the globe to recite ‘Bande Utkal Janani’ at 5:30 pm on Saturday to motivate the Covid warriors.
Addressing the people in a video message, Naveen said Odisha’s efforts to contain the spread of the virus are being recognised at all levels while the fatality rate in among the lowest in the world.
“The time has come for us to acknowledge and honour all our people, who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe. I request all of you, who are connected to the soil of Odisha, wherever you are in the world, to join us and sing Bande Utkal Janani by maintaining social distancing. The purpose is to inspire our Covid warriors and to honour their sacrifices,” said Naveen.
Written by Kantakabi Laxmikant Mohapatra, ‘Bande Utkal Janani’ was the lead anthem by Utkal Sammilani during the movement for formation of a separate Odisha province, said Naveen.
“Reciting the song at this moment will inspire us, strengthen our commitment to continue the fight and provide unparalleled energy and zeal to all of us. The future may have more challenges. But, this will provide us strength to face the challenges successfully and work with renewed commitment,” said Naveen.
Yet to get the status of the state anthem, ‘Bande Utkal Janani‘ is being recited on important occasions like Utkal Divas, end of assembly sessions and while celebrating birth anniversary of eminent Odia persons.
Earlier Naveen and his team of senior bureaucrats had clapped and beat thali for the Covid warriors on the call of Modi. Naveen has also announced financial assistance of Rs 50 lakh for the family members of health workers and support staffs, who lose their lives in the fight against Covid. The state government will also treat them as martyrs.
Hailing his government’s handling of the pandemic in the last two months, Naveen said the only priority for the government was to save every precious life.
“The Covid mortality rate in Odisha is one of the lowest in the country and in the world. Besides, more than 50 percent of the infected people have recovered and gone home,” he added.
Stating that powerful nations of the world, rich states of our country have not been able to achieve this feat in the fight against Covid, the chief minister said the low fatality rate is indeed a major achievement for a state like Odisha and its people.
Despite return of more than 3.5 lakh Odias from different states, Naveen said his administration has effectively handled the situation to contain spread of the virus.
“The credit goes to our Covid warriors, who have been working day and night, with sacrifice and commitment. From the frontline health workers, panchayati raj institutions and peoples representatives, government employees cutting across all departments, private sector employees, self help group members, service-minded individuals— all have worked round the clock keeping their personal lives aside providing service to the people,” said Naveen.
Though Odisha’s first case was detected on March 15, number of Covid-19 positive cases is now at 1660 with seven death cases.
While invoking Lord Jagannath’s blessings, Naveen also expressed his gratitude to the people of Odisha for their support in the fight against Covid-19.
Earlier on the day, Naveen also spoke to a Sarpanch, Asha and Anganwadi workers over telephone who have been tested positive for Covid-19 while serving people. The chief minister lauded their courage and dedication in providing outstanding service to society and wished their speedy recovery and hailed them as source of inspiration to others.
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