In Bhubaneswar’s legislative heart, Odisha’s top leaders united on February 15 to commemorate the punyatithi of saint poet Bhima Bhoi. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, flanked by Speaker Surama Padhi and Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, laid wreaths at the poet’s statue, initiating a day of remembrance for his monumental contributions.
Majhi’s poignant address painted Bhoi as a beacon of simplicity and bhakti, whose life’s work championed societal unity. ‘From his statue, we draw inspiration for equality and brotherhood,’ the CM remarked, underscoring Bhoi’s priceless legacy in Odia literature that transcends borders.
Despite being visually impaired and unschooled, Bhoi crafted verses that elevated the downtrodden and propagated Mahima Sampradaya’s ideals. His empathy for the suffering and calls for social justice remain vividly alive, influencing Odisha’s cultural ethos profoundly.
The event resonated beyond the assembly, with statewide programs by cultural bodies celebrating Bhoi’s life through recitations and discussions. This day reaffirms Bhoi’s role in steering Odisha’s literary renaissance toward themes of peace, equality, and spiritual enlightenment.
Bhoi’s journey from a modest background to poetic immortality exemplifies human potential unbound by physical limitations. His enduring hymns, sung across generations, continue to foster communal harmony, making his death anniversary a pivotal moment for reflection and renewal in Odisha’s history.