Former Union Minister says Ganesh Puja celebrations should also promote nutrition, civic responsibility and protection of local heritage
GTNS , SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 , DEOGARH, ODISHA — Former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has called for using community festivals as platforms for social awareness and local development while participating in the Sarbojanina Ganesh Puja Mahotsav in Deogarh.
Addressing the gathering, Pradhan said religious and cultural celebrations should extend beyond entertainment and festivities and also encourage collective responsibility towards important social issues.
He particularly emphasised the importance of proper nutrition for children and students, saying community events could be used to create greater awareness about issues affecting the younger generation.
Pradhan also stressed the need to strengthen cleanliness initiatives in Deogarh. Referring to the nationwide cleanliness movement associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said the responsibility of keeping public spaces clean should not rest solely with government agencies.
He called for collective efforts to keep temples, roads and public areas clean, attractive and free from plastic waste.
According to Pradhan, sustained participation from residents, community organisations and local stakeholders would be essential to make cleanliness a lasting social practice rather than an occasional campaign.
FOCUS ON DEOGARH’S TOURISM POTENTIAL
The former Union Minister also spoke about the potential to develop Deogarh as a major tourism destination in Odisha.
He called for coordinated efforts to improve the town’s heritage and tourism infrastructure, with particular attention to historically significant sites.
Among the projects highlighted was the proposed transformation of the old Kacheri building into a modern museum. Pradhan also emphasised the need for beautification and development of the well-known Pradhanpat area.
Pradhan said these initiatives could help preserve Deogarh’s heritage while creating stronger attractions for visitors.
The remarks placed the Ganesh Puja gathering within a broader discussion on community participation, environmental cleanliness, child nutrition, heritage conservation and tourism development.
He urged people to work together so that Deogarh’s cultural traditions could become a foundation for wider social and economic development.
The event brought together devotees and members of the local community for the public Ganesh Puja celebrations, with Pradhan participating in the festivities and sharing his vision for the town’s future development.
Global Times News | INDIA ; GTNS