Phulbani, July 28 (UDN): The Odisha government has announced that the Government Medical College and Hospital in Phulbani, Kandhamal district, will be renamed in honour of Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati, recognising his contribution to tribal welfare and education in the region.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made the announcement, stating that the decision has been taken to commemorate the saint’s lifelong service to the tribal communities of Kandhamal and ensure that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
In addition to the renaming of the medical college, the state government has approved ₹13 crore from the Chief Minister’s Special Assistance (CMSA) Fund for the development of Swamiji’s ashram, ashram school and Kanyashram at Jalespata.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the financial assistance will be used to preserve the heritage of the ashram while strengthening educational and residential facilities for students.
Key Components of the Development Plan
Under the sanctioned package:
· ₹5 crore will be utilised to construct a 300-seat girls’ hostel.
· ₹3 crore has been earmarked for the conservation and restoration of Swamiji’s heritage site.
· ₹60 lakh will fund a mega river lift project to provide a reliable water supply to the Jalespata Ashram, Ashram School and the Kanyashram girls’ hostel.
The remaining funds will be spent on expanding infrastructure, including the construction of additional hostel buildings, classrooms, toilets, boundary walls and the renovation of existing hostel facilities.
Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati was widely known for his work in promoting education and social welfare among the tribal population of Kandhamal. The state government said the initiatives are intended to preserve his contributions while improving educational infrastructure linked to the institutions he established.
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