Balasore: A life size bronze figure of Vyasa Kabi Fakir Mohan Senapati, one of the prominent poets and writers of modern Odia language was unveiled Friday on his 101st death anniversary here.
State higher education minister Ananta Das unveiled the 15 ft tall statue built at a cost of Rs 12 lakh at Shanti Kanan, the birth place of the renowned author in presence of local MP RK Jena, MLA JP Dash and Balasore municipality chairperson Alok Sahu.
Culture department principal secretary Manoranjan Panigrahi, director Bijay Kumar Nayak, Collector Ramesh Chandra Rout were among others present on the occasion.
This is the third statue of Fakir Mohan to be installed at Shanti Kanan. While one life size statue was installed by Fakir Mohan Senapati himself during his life time, a bust of the author also exists at the same place.
Fakir Mohan is known as Sankranti Purush as he was born on Makar Sankrati and died on Raja Sankranti.
The speakers lauded the efforts of the state government and said it is indeed a true tribute to the great personality of Odisha.
UNI