Sambalpur: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s Letter to Union Culture and Tourism Minister G. Kishan Reddy for the development of Veer Surendra Sai’s birth place

Sambalpur: To sanction a special package for the development of tourism sector in Sambalpur and Devgarh districts including Khinda, birthplace of great freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai,
Union Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written a letter to Union Culture and Tourism Minister G. Kishan Reddy and requested.

Shri Pradhan mentioned in the letter that Sambalpur and Devgarh districts of Western Odisha have immense potential for tourism development. Located on the banks of mahanadi rivers in Sambalpur districts like Puri and Bhubaneswar, the world’s longest estuary Hirakud, Huma Temple has not been overlooked by both domestic and international tourists. A city of rich cultural heritage, Sambalpur is best known for its traditional handicrafts, textiles and sarees. There is an increase in the number of tourists visiting Sambalpuri clothiers to learn how to weave clothes and also buy local goods.

Similarly, the birthplace of Veer Surendra Sai, one of the fighters of the Indian freedom struggle, is Khinda in Sambalpur district. Surendra Sai served more than 40 years in prison for fighting against the British in 1857. Prime Minister Narendra Modi named the Jharsuguda Airport after him in honor of Veer Surendra Sai. Birth place of Veer Surendra Sai is important in this regard. Tourists and historians can visit his birthplace and learn about the life of Surendra Sai and his struggle for the freedom of the country.

Accordingly, the city of Devgarh is located amidst the greenery of forests, streams, and mountains. It is a perfect place for nature lovers. There are many ancient temples and forts there, including Pradhanpat Stream, Devgarh Rajawas, Gopinath Temple. It describes the glorious history of the region.

If special packages are sanctioned for all these places, the tourism infrastructure will increase. This will accelerate the economic development of the local area. In view of this, Shri Pradhan appealed to Shri Reddy to sanction a special package towards enhancing tourism infrastructure and facilities in two districts including the birth place of Veer Surendra Sai.

It is noteworthy that on January 23 last, on the occasion of Veer Surendra Sai’s birth anniversary, Union Minister Shri Pradhan participated in the ‘padayatra’ organized in Khinda. Accordingly, Shri Pradhan recently visited Devgarh and Sambalpur districts and discussed with the local people about increasing the tourism sector.