Bhubaneswar: The year-long birth centenary celebrations of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati commenced on Friday with a grand ceremony in Gurujang, Talcher, Angul district—the birthplace of the revered spiritual leader. The inaugural event was attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, former Union Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan, RSS Kshetra Karyavaha Durga Prasad Sahu, and numerous saints and spiritual leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Majhi announced that Gurujang village would be developed as a ‘Heritage Village’ and Gurujang Gram Panchayat as a ‘Model Panchayat,’ in recognition of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati’s profound legacy and societal contributions.
‘Swamiji Was a Symbol of Guru, Granth, and Garima’
The Chief Minister described Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati as more than an individual, calling him a great ideal, an institution of social service, and an inspiring guide of Sanatan Dharma.
Majhi highlighted how Swamiji had renounced material comforts to dedicate his life to serving tribal communities in the remote, forested areas of Kandhamal. Through the establishment of the Chakapad and Jalespata Ashrams and the Kanya Gurukul, he worked tirelessly to provide tribal girls with Sanskrit education, cultural values, and opportunities for self-reliance.
ବିଧର୍ମ-ଚକ୍ର ବିଦାରକ, ଦକ୍ଷ ମହାରଥ, ବେଦାନ୍ତ କେଶରୀ, ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରସନ୍ଥ, ବ୍ରହ୍ମଲୀନ ପୂଜ୍ୟପାଦ ସ୍ୱାମୀ ଲକ୍ଷ୍ମଣାନନ୍ଦ ସରସ୍ୱତୀଜୀଙ୍କ ଜନ୍ମ ଶତବାର୍ଷିକୀ ଅବସରରେ ତାଳଚେର ଗୁରୁଜାଙ୍ଗର ପବିତ୍ର ଭୂମିରେ ଆୟୋଜିତ ଶତବାର୍ଷିକ ମହୋତ୍ସବରେ ଯୋଗଦେଇ ସ୍ୱାମୀଜୀଙ୍କ ଅମର ସ୍ମୃତି ଚରଣରେ ବିନମ୍ର ଶ୍ରଦ୍ଧାଞ୍ଜଳି ଅର୍ପଣ କଲି। କନ୍ଧମାଳର ଦୁର୍ଗମ… pic.twitter.com/ZY9WLy5UnQ
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) August 21, 2026
The Chief Minister noted that the seeds of cultural awareness and social consciousness sown by Swamiji had blossomed into a widespread social movement. He characterized Swamiji as a symbol of “Guru, Granth, and Garima” for society.
Rs 13 Crore Sanctioned for Ashram Development and Heritage Conservation
Highlighting the state government’s measures to honor Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, Majhi announced that the Government Medical College at Phulbani has been renamed the Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati Medical College.
He also declared that ₹13 crore has been sanctioned from the Chief Minister’s Special Assistance (CMSA) fund for the development of Jalespata Ashram, the Ashram School, and Kanyashram, along with the preservation of their heritage.
ସମାଜର ଶେଷ ଧାଡ଼ିରେ ଥିବା ଲୋକଙ୍କ ସେବାକୁ ଈଶ୍ୱର ସେବାର ମର୍ଯ୍ୟାଦା ଦେଇଥିବା ସ୍ୱାମୀ ଲକ୍ଷ୍ମଣାନନ୍ଦ ସରସ୍ୱତୀଙ୍କ ଅନ୍ତ୍ୟୋଦୟ ଚିନ୍ତାଧାରା ଆଜି ମଧ୍ୟ ସମାଜ ପାଇଁ ପ୍ରେରଣା।
ସ୍ୱାମୀଜୀଙ୍କ ତ୍ୟାଗ, ସେବା ଓ ସମାଜ ପ୍ରତି ସମର୍ପଣରୁ ପ୍ରେରଣା ନେଇ ଯୁବପିଢ଼ି ଏକ ସଚେତନ, ସଂସ୍କାରିତ ଓ ଦାୟିତ୍ୱବାନ ସମାଜ ଗଠନରେ ଅଗ୍ରଣୀ ଭୂମିକା ନେଉ ଏହା… pic.twitter.com/DZy570wbhI— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) August 21, 2026
Of the sanctioned amount, ₹5 crore will be utilized to construct a 300-seat hostel for girl students, while ₹3 crore will be allocated for heritage conservation. A mega river-lift project will also be implemented to enhance drinking water availability for local communities.
Majhi Raises Questions Over 2008 Killing
Referring to the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati on Janmashtami night in 2008, Majhi criticized the previous government, alleging administrative failure, negligence, and appeasement politics.
He expressed serious concern over the disappearance of reports and related files from the Justice Mahapatra Commission and Justice Naidu Commission, which had been constituted to investigate the killing. The Chief Minister alleged that the disappearance of these documents was part of a deliberate effort to protect those responsible for the crime.
Majhi assured the people of Odisha that his government would pursue the matter seriously and ensure that the truth behind the incident comes to light. He vowed that justice would ultimately be delivered for Swamiji’s sacrifice.
‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ Reflects Antyodaya Vision
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” Majhi stated that the philosophy of Antyodaya, reflected in Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati’s work, was closely aligned with this broader vision.
He emphasized that Swamiji’s commitment to reaching the last person in society and serving deprived communities remains profoundly relevant today.
The Chief Minister also called upon the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, to stay connected with India’s traditional knowledge, education, culture, Vedas, Sanskrit, cow protection, and Sanatan traditions. He urged young people to participate in nation- and society-building with patriotism, courage, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
Assembly Speaker Calls for Inspiration from Swamiji’s Life
Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy also recalled Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati’s significant spiritual and social contributions. She stated that the younger generation should draw inspiration from his sacrifice and struggles to preserve moral values, cultural heritage, and traditional knowledge.
She appealed to society to follow the path shown by Swamiji and carry forward his ideals of service, education, social awareness, and cultural preservation.
Biography and Photographs of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati to Reach 50,000 Villages: Dharmendra Pradhan
An authentic biography of Pujya Vedanta Kesari Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, released in Odia and Hindi by the Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati Smriti Nyas, marks a key part of his birth centenary celebrations.
Former Union Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan urged collective efforts from Swamiji’s followers to disseminate the biography and photographs to 50,000 villages, aiming to reach every village across Odisha.
‘Swamiji Was a Great Spiritual Seeker and Guardian of Sanatan Culture’
Pradhan lauded Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati as a visionary, spiritual seeker, and guardian of Sanatan culture. He emphasized that Swamiji’s ideals of sacrifice, service, tribal welfare, and national service would continue to guide society for generations.
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) August 21, 2026
Inspired by the philosophy of saint Bhima Bhoi, “Let my life suffer, but let the world be uplifted,” Swamiji dedicated his life to the welfare of Odisha’s tribal and disadvantaged communities, Pradhan noted.
He highlighted Swamiji’s extensive work in remote regions like Kandhamal, where he established ashrams, Sanskrit schools, and girls’ ashrams to promote education, cultural values, and social awareness.
Pradhan further stated that Swamiji made outstanding contributions to preventing illegal religious conversions, promoting cow protection, encouraging modern agricultural practices and plantation, and helping local communities achieve self-reliance while fostering pride in their faith and cultural identity.
‘Society Must Embrace His Ideals’
Pradhan asserted that as Odisha approaches its next centenary as a state formed on a linguistic basis, society has a primary responsibility to embrace and advance the ideals embodied by Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati during his birth centenary year.
ନିକଟରେ ‘ସ୍ୱାମୀ ଲକ୍ଷ୍ମଣାନନ୍ଦ ସରସ୍ୱତୀ ସ୍ମୃତି ନ୍ୟାସ’ ପକ୍ଷରୁ ତାଙ୍କର ଜୀବନୀ ଉପରେ ଏକ ପ୍ରାମାଣିକ ଗ୍ରନ୍ଥ 'ବେଦାନ୍ତ କେଶରୀ ସ୍ୱାମୀ ଲକ୍ଷ୍ମଣାନନ୍ଦ ସରସ୍ୱତୀ : କୃତି ଓ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିତ୍ୱ' ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଏବଂ ହିନ୍ଦୀ ଭାଷାରେ ଉନ୍ମୋଚିତ ହୋଇଛି। ଆମେ ସ୍ୱାମୀଜୀଙ୍କ ଅନୁଯାୟୀ ଭାବେ ଏହି ପବିତ୍ର ଗ୍ରନ୍ଥ ଓ ତାଙ୍କର ଫଟୋଚିତ୍ରକୁ ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ୫୦,୦୦୦… pic.twitter.com/rDeoVBIpBr
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) August 21, 2026
He stressed that Swamiji’s philosophy of service, social empowerment, and cultural awareness remains vital for Odisha’s future.
Gurujang to Become a Centre of Social Empowerment
Pradhan commended the efforts of the “double-engine government” to develop Swamiji’s birthplace, Gurujang, as a sacred pilgrimage site or ‘Heritage Village’.
ତାଳଚେର ଗୁରୁଜଙ୍ଗରେ ପୂଜ୍ୟ ବେଦାନ୍ତ କେଶରୀ ସ୍ୱାମୀ ଲକ୍ଷ୍ମଣାନନ୍ଦ ସରସ୍ୱତୀ ଜୀଙ୍କ ଜନ୍ମ ଶତବାର୍ଷିକୀ ସମାରୋହରେ ମୁଖ୍ୟମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ @MohanMOdisha, ବାଚସ୍ପତି @suramapadhybjp, ପୂଜ୍ୟ ସାଧୁସନ୍ଥ ଓ ସଙ୍ଘ ପରିବାରର ବରିଷ୍ଠ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକର୍ତ୍ତାଙ୍କ ସହ ସାମିଲ ହେବାର ସୌଭାଗ୍ୟ ଲାଭ କଲି । ଆଜିର ପବିତ୍ର ଅବସରରେ ମୁଁ ସେହି ମହାନ… pic.twitter.com/3NVAY4Tywg
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) August 21, 2026
He envisioned the birthplace as a model for social reform, self-reliance, and empowerment, where Swamiji’s ideals can be translated into practical initiatives benefiting local communities.
Empowering the Marginalized Would Be a True Tribute
Pradhan declared that empowering Odisha’s disadvantaged sectionschildren, women, youth, and farmers and enabling them to live with dignity, confidence, and self-respect would be the true tribute to Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.
He expressed confidence that the enduring light of Swamiji’s service, values, and social reform would continue to illuminate society and inspire generations to come.
Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati Practiced the Principles of ‘Panch Parivartan’ Six Decades Ago: Durga Prasad Sahu
RSS Kshetriya Karyavah Durga Prasad Sahu described Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati as a far-sighted monk and an extraordinary personality. Sahu noted that the he had practically demonstrated many of the principles of ‘Panch Parivartan’ (Five Transformations) in Kandhamal nearly six decades before the RSS began highlighting this framework in its centenary year.
Sahu explained that the RSS is currently celebrating 100 years since its foundation. As part of these centenary observances, the organization has called for accelerating efforts towards individual development, systemic change, and social transformation through the concept of Panch Parivartan. However, Sahu emphasized that Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati had already demonstrated these principles through his life and work nearly 60 years ago.
Awakening of the Self: Building Pride and Self-Reliance
Sahu identified ‘Swa Jagaran,’ or awakening of the self, as the first dimension of Panch Parivartan. According to Sahu, Swami Laxmanananda worked extensively to reconnect members of the Kandh tribal community with their proud history, cultural identity, and traditions, thereby strengthening their sense of self-respect and confidence.
Sahu stated that Swamiji did not believe merely in providing external solutions to social problems. Instead, he encouraged communities to identify solutions to their own challenges and become self-reliant.
In this regard, Sahu highlighted Swamiji’s efforts to promote multi-purpose agriculture, irrigation systems, the use of organic manure, fruit orchards, and “Gou Palan” (cow rearing) and “Gou Sambardhan” (cow protection and development) among the Kandh community.
These initiatives, Sahu noted, helped strengthen the foundations of social and economic self-reliance and encouraged local communities to take greater responsibility for their own development.
Samajik Samarasata: Through Grassroots Initiatives
Elaborating on the second dimension, “Samajik Samarasata” (social harmony), Sahu said Swami Laxmanananda consistently worked to reduce social divisions and strengthen unity within communities.
Sahu recounted that Swamiji would stay with families and encourage them to participate in Bhagavata recitation, satsang, and kirtan. He also utilized local cultural traditions and the language of the Kandh tribal community as instruments to promote Samajik Samarasata.
According to Sahu, initiatives such as readings of the Lakshmi Purana, community feasts, and satsang were employed to establish social harmony at the grassroots level. He added that Swamiji demonstrated through these practical efforts how social unity could be strengthened by drawing upon local traditions and collective participation.
Environmental Protection as a Social Responsibility
Sahu identified environmental protection as the third dimension of Panch Parivartan and noted that Swami Laxmanananda worked continuously for the conservation of nature and natural resources.
He highlighted Swamiji’s efforts to promote tree plantation, water conservation, and environmental awareness. Sahu stated that Swamiji also encouraged the saint community and local people to develop greater respect for nature and traditional ecological values.
Sahu referred to the concept of ‘Dharani Penu,’ or Mother Earth, explaining that Swamiji sought to connect environmental protection with cultural and spiritual consciousness. Through such efforts, environmental conservation was presented not merely as a developmental concern but also as a social and moral responsibility.
Kutumb Prabodhan
The fourth dimension, Kutumb Prabodhan, or family awakening, was another area where Swamiji made significant efforts, Sahu said.
He described the family as a fundamental unit of social and cultural transformation and noted that Swami Laxmanananda consistently encouraged families to create a value-based and culturally rooted environment.
According to Sahu, Swamiji urged family members to participate together in satsang, worship, and the reading of religious texts. He also encouraged families to eat together, follow traditional practices, wear traditional attire, and adopt cultural symbols such as applying tilak.
Sahu said these practices aimed to strengthen cultural continuity within families and pass values from one generation to another.
Emphasis on Civic Duties
The fifth dimension of Panch Parivartan, according to Sahu, is civic responsibility. He stated that society needs not only awareness of citizens’ rights but also a strong sense of responsibility towards duties and social discipline.
Sahu said Swami Laxmanananda encouraged people to respect rules, maintain discipline, and understand their responsibilities as citizens. He stressed that civic consciousness remains equally important today and needs to be strengthened across society.
Questions Raised Over Swamiji’s Killing
Sahu said Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati’s sacrifice, in what he described as the cause of national and social protection, remains a source of inspiration for society, particularly for the sant community.
Referring to Swamiji’s 2008 killing, he said the release of some individuals previously identified as accused or alleged killers had raised serious questions.
According to Sahu, this development has strengthened concerns that the identities and roles of the actual perpetrators, as well as those allegedly involved in plotting the crime, may not have been fully established.
He urged the Odisha Government to take the matter seriously, undertake a thorough review, and take effective steps to establish the truth.
Development Must Go Beyond Basic Infrastructure
Sahu said development should not be confined to providing roads, housing, food, education, and healthcare. While these basic necessities are essential, he argued that individuals and communities must also be empowered to live with self-respect, dignity, and a strong sense of identity.
He said the RSS believes that meeting basic needs must be accompanied by cultural awareness, social confidence, and a sense of self-worth.
Describing the present government as one focused on self-respect and identity, Sahu said social confidence could be strengthened only when people’s cultural and religious identity is respected and protected.
Curbing Illegal Conversions and Ensuring a Complete Ban on Cow Slaughter Will Be a True Tribute to Swamiji
Sahu said that society can move forward with true self-respect only when its religious and cultural identity is protected. He stressed the need for effective measures to curb illegal conversions carried out through inducement, coercion, or deception in Odisha, along with ensuring a complete ban on cow slaughter. According to him, taking concrete action on these issues would be a true tribute to Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.
‘A Monk Who Saw His Vision Take Shape’
Concluding his remarks, Sahu described Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati as a “yogajanya,” or exceptionally gifted monk, who lived long enough to witness several of the initiatives he had envisioned taking shape before his eyes.
He said Swamiji’s life demonstrated how spiritual commitment could be combined with education, social reform, cultural awareness, environmental responsibility, and community empowerment.
Sahu maintained that the legacy of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati would continue to inspire future generations and that his work in Kandhamal remains an enduring example of grassroots social transformation.
Birth Centenary Celebrations to Continue Until November 2027
The birth centenary celebrations, which began today, are set to continue until November 2027. This period will feature a diverse array of programs organized across Odisha and in various parts of the country. Organizers have planned centenary-related events at approximately 25,000 locations throughout Odisha. Additionally, significant programs will be held in major cities such as Haridwar, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
Tribute Meetings to Commence from August 23
A comprehensive program schedule has been prepared for August 2026 to November 2027. From August 23 to September 4, 2026, tribute programs and memorial meetings will be organized in villages and urban areas.
In October, a Sanskrit Conference is proposed for Chakapad, and a Women’s Conference for Jalespeta. November 2026 will see three major conferences held in Sambalpur, Berhampur, and Bhubaneswar.
During this same period, programs are also scheduled in major cities like Haridwar, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, all aimed at highlighting Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati’s life, service, and ideals.
Awareness and Outreach Tours in 2027
Between January and April 2027, saints will conduct awareness and outreach tours across villages and urban areas. These initiatives will focus on connecting people with the life, work, and ideals of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.
Large-scale conferences at the block and city levels are proposed for April and May 2027. The centenary observances will continue throughout 2027, with special programs planned around Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati’s death anniversary and Janmashtami.
Five-Point Pledge Based on Swamiji’s Ideals
As part of the centenary celebrations, the organizing committee has called for a five-point pledge inspired by the ideals and teachings of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.
This pledge includes: creating awareness against religious conversions, promoting cow protection and household cow rearing, encouraging tree plantation and environmental conservation, strengthening community organization through regular satsang, and protecting ‘Mother, Motherland, and Mother Tongue.’
The committee has also emphasized the preservation and promotion of Indian cultural traditions and Sanskrit.
Appeal to Make Centenary Year a Campaign for Social Service
Centenary celebration convenor Binay Kumar Bhuyan appealed to the public to integrate these commitments into their personal and social lives. He urged society to leverage the centenary year as an opportunity to promote social service, cultural awareness, environmental responsibility, and community participation.
According to the organizers, the year-long observances aim to disseminate Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati’s message and legacy to a broader audience while encouraging people to translate his ideals into practical social initiatives.
