The Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana was authorized by the state government, which is led by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, on Wednesday in recognition of the achievements made by the state’s notable social reformers, poets, litterateurs, educationists, and liberation fighters.
An official statement states that the program aims to create enduring legacies that inspire future generations and foster cultural awareness, going beyond simple appreciation. It seeks to promote community participation in heritage conservation while creating local economic prospects through tourism and associated activities by protecting both tangible assets and intangible qualities. “It is proposed to implement the ‘Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana’ in the state as a structured, budget-supported intervention with the goal of preserving tangible and intangible heritage, promoting community-based cultural conservation, and creating localized heritage assets.”Key features of the scheme include:
>> Converting the birthplaces or residential homes of these eminent personalities into heritage museums.
>> Developing supporting facilities such as interpretation centres, libraries, conference halls, open-air theatres, children’s parks, and other infrastructure.
>> Erecting statues and memorials to honour their legacies.
>> Setting up outlets for selling local cuisine, handicrafts, and handloom products to boost livelihoods.
>> Organising seminars, cultural programs, discussions, and interactive sessions focused on their lives and ideas.
It further noted that this integrated approach is aimed at preserving heritage, fostering cultural awareness and catalysing sustainable local development. “In the first phase of the scheme, 25 eminent sons of Odisha have been identified for development. Financial assistance of up to Rs 15 crore per birthplace will be provided, based on actual requirements for the development and preservation of these heritage sites. Accordingly, the total estimated expenditure for Phase I will be Rs 345 crore.”