Bhubaneswar: In the face of natural disasters and emergencies, the Utkal Bipanna Sahayata Samiti has consistently stepped up to assist the people of Odisha in distress. Over its 43 years of dedicated service, the organisation has become a leading social institution, providing support to the poor, helpless, and needy across various sectors. This was emphasised by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who addressed the annual celebration of the Samiti, affiliated with Seva Bharati, as the Chief Guest at Utkal Mandap in Bhubaneswar.
The Chief Minister underscored the vital role of the Samiti’s health assistance centres located in key medical hubs of the state—Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Berhampur. These centres provide essential services to patients travelling from across Odisha by facilitating accommodation, meals, doctor coordination, and hospital guidance, ensuring they receive appropriate medical care.
He recalled the organisation’s commendable response during the catastrophic floods of 1982, the devastating fire at Madhuban in Baripada, and the 1999 Super Cyclone. In each instance, the Samiti acted as a guardian angel for those affected. During the 1999 disaster, the tireless efforts, sacrifices, and spirit of service demonstrated by the Samiti’s volunteers received widespread acclaim in the national media, he remarked.
Chief Minister Majhi also shared a personal anecdote, recounting his involvement in Seva activities as an active Swayamsevakin Anandpur, Keonjhar district, during the 1999 Super Cyclone. “The inspiration to work not as a Chief Minister, but as a sevak of the people, came from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS),” he stated. He added that the values of sensitivity and dedication to society were deeply ingrained in him through the ideology of the Sangh.
The Chief Minister commended the Samiti’s contributions in the field of education, particularly through the establishment of residential hostels for tribal children in Paralakhemundi (Gajapati district) and Udala (Mayurbhanj district). He noted that more than 1,000 children are receiving value-based education grounded in Bharatn culture, tradition, and ethics through over 50 centres operated by the Samiti in Bhubaneswar.
He also recognised the Samiti’s service contributions during major cultural and religious events, such as the Rath Yatra of Bhagwan Jagannath, the Rukuna Rath Yatra of BhagwanLingaraj, and the Joranda Magh Mela in Dhenkanal, which have garnered statewide appreciation.
In conclusion, CM Majhi stated, “Our motto is ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’ (May all be happy). Guided by this, our government is wholeheartedly committed, in spirit, word, and action, to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message: ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’ .
“Seva is Bharat’s innate Nature” – Vijay Manohar Puranik
Delivering the keynote address, Vijay Manohar Puranik, Joint General Secretary of Seva Bharati, emphasised that while political change requires majority support, social transformation demands creativity. A creative minority can bring about transformation in society. He credited organisations like the Utkal Bipanna Sahayata Samiti for ushering in positive changes through their spirit of selfless Seva.
“Seva is not a foreign concept to Bharat; it is an inherent part of our civilisation, practised for thousands of years,” he stated. Quoting Maharshi Vyasa, Puranik remarked, “Punya (virtue) lies in helping others; sin lies in causing them harm.”
He referred to the COVID-19 pandemic, explaining how society itself, not just the government, rose to the occasion. “When migrant workers began walking back to their villages after the first lockdown, villagers came out to serve them—not knowing their language or caste. These were ordinary citizens, driven by a sense of duty. This reflects Bharat’s true nature of Seva,” he added.
Puranik cited Swami Vivekananda, who viewed Seva to humanity as Seva to God: “Nar Seva is Narayan Seva.”Swami Vivekananda further stated, “I am the servant of that God whom the ignorant call Man.”
He stressed that thousands of organisations, like the Utkal Samiti, are engaged in similar work across Bharat, creating a visible transformation in society. He explained that those who serve develop humility and purity of heart, while those who receive Seva are often referred to as “beneficiaries” in government language. “We do not consider them beneficiaries. Our goal is to build self-confidence in them and free them from a mindset that limits them, so they feel empowered to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with the rest of society,” he said.
Puranik distinguished between two types of Seva: the first is life-saving Seva, which offers immediate aid for survival, and the second is life-building Seva, which empowers individuals through education and skills to become self-reliant.
“We aim for the latter—helping individuals build character, awaken self-confidence, and become economically independent,” he said. “Today, someone may be on the receiving end, but with time and encouragement, they should become self-sufficient—and even turn into a server themselves.”
He shared that many individuals who once benefited from such Seva are now actively involved in serving others. “Thousands of such inspiring stories can be found across the country,” he noted.
During the event, distinguished social workers and farmers who made remarkable contributions to social Seva and agriculture were felicitated. Two commemorative publications of the Samiti were also unveiled.
The programme began with a welcome address by Akhaya Kumar Bit, President of the Samiti. Achyutananda Panigrahi presented the annual report, and Himanshu Shekhar Nayak delivered the vote of thanks.
