SAMBALPUR: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Sambalpur in Odisha on morning (May 23), commencing his trip with a visit to the revered Samleswari Temple.
Following his temple visit, he proceeded to Bezbaruah House, where he paid homage to the statue of Lakhminath Bezbaruah.
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“Sahityarathi Lakshminath Bezbarua is one of the most illustrious authors of Assam. From his Sadhana Griha in Sambalpur he composed some of his most iconic literary works,” said CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.
He added: “In many ways he bridged Assam and Odisha. We have undertaken several efforts to renovate his residence and works are underway to install his grand statue in Odisha.”
The Assam CM further said: “To see these humble origins from where he composed writings that inspired generations, was truly a memorable experience.”
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During his visit, the Assam CM engaged in discussions with Dipak Kumar Panda, convenor of the Sahityarathi Lakhminath Bezbaruah Smriti Rakhya Samiti, Sambalpur.
Union minister for education, skill development, and entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, accompanied Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Briefing the media, CM Sarma drew parallels between Assam and Odisha, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual bonds shared by the two states.
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“Maa Kamakhya is to Assam what Maa Samleswari is to Sambalpur and its adjoining areas,” Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated.
He highlighted Bezbaruah’s iconic status in Assam, noting that a poem by the literary figure is the state anthem.
“Sambalpur played a significant role in Lakhminath Bezbaruah’s life, and thus, every Assamese has a deep affection for Sambalpur,” he added.
During his discussion with Dipak Kumar Panda, Sarma expressed his desire to visit Sambalpur again and announced plans to establish a Bezbaruah Chair at Gangadhar Meher University.
He assured full support for initiatives related to Bezbaruah and Sambalpur.
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Panda raised various issues, including the maintenance and interior provision of Bezbaruah House and the permanent operation of the Guwahati-Sambalpur train.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma travelled to Sambalpur from Jharsuguda by road and departed for Deogarh by helicopter after his visit to Bezbaruah House.
Notably, the Assam government has already allocated funds in two instalments for the conservation of Bezbaruah House.
Additionally, Sarma has sanctioned funds for a statue of Bezbaruah in Sambalpur, which is nearing completion.
The statue will be installed once the conservation work at the Basagriha is almost finished.