Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi released a new biography celebrating the life and contributions of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and announced initiatives to honour the late spiritual leader’s legacy across the state.
The book, titled “Vedanta Kesari Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati: Kruti O Byaktitwa” (Works and Personality), was unveiled at the Railway Auditorium in Bhubaneswar. Written by Bipin Bihari Nanda and Banchhanidhi Panda, it is available in Odia and Hindi and will be distributed to schools and colleges across Odisha.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Majhi described Swami Laxmanananda as a guiding force whose life of sacrifice, service, and dedication to tribal communities will continue to inspire future generations. He said the spiritual leader devoted himself to uplifting neglected sections of society through education, social service, and cultural awareness.
The Chief Minister highlighted work at the Chakapad and Jalespatta Ashrams, where Swami Laxmanananda promoted education for tribal girls and worked for the welfare and empowerment of local communities. He also noted the saint’s efforts to preserve cultural values and encourage social development in Kandhamal.
To commemorate Swamiji’s legacy, the Odisha government announced several initiatives. The Government Medical College and Hospital in Phulbani has been renamed after Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, and ₹13 crore has been allocated for developing Jalespatta Ashram. The project includes heritage conservation, improved infrastructure, water supply, and a 300-seat girls’ hostel.
The government plans to celebrate Swami Laxmanananda’s birth centenary starting August 21 with seminars, workshops, and awareness programmes in villages across Odisha and educational institutions nationwide.
During his address, Majhi referred to the 2008 Janmashtami-night murder of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati. He said the state government is committed to justice and that the Crime Branch is investigating the disappearance of the Justice Naidu Commission report and related files. The Chief Minister assured the public that those responsible will not be spared once the investigation establishes the facts.
The programme was attended by several prominent personalities, including RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, spiritual leaders, members of the Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati Memorial Trust, and the book’s authors.
Addressing the gathering, speakers remembered Swami Laxmanananda as a spiritual leader who dedicated his life to social service, education, tribal welfare, and the promotion of cultural values. They expressed hope that the newly released biography and the upcoming centenary celebrations would introduce his life and work to a new generation of readers across India.