CM Majhi pays tribute on Akshaya Mohanty's birth anniversary
Synopsis
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi paid devout tribute to legendary Odia poet, writer and singer Akshaya Mohanty on his birth anniversary on October 12, 2026, honouring one of the state's most enduring cultural icons.
Key Takeaways
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi paid tribute to Akshaya Mohanty on his birth anniversary on October 12, 2026 .
Mohanty is celebrated as a distinguished poet, short-story writer, and legendary singer in Odisha .
He is widely known by the affectionate name Khoka Bhai and remains a defining voice of Odia cultural identity.
CM Majhi described Mohanty as a 'distinguished poet, short-story writer, and legendary singer' in his tribute post on X.
Mohanty's songs and literary works continue to resonate with Odia audiences across generations.
A poet, a storyteller, a voice that defined Odia cultural identity — Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi paid heartfelt homage to the legendary artist Akshaya Mohanty on his birth anniversary, Monday, October 12, 2026, calling it an occasion for 'devout salutations' to an icon who transcended generations.
In his post, CM Majhi wrote in Odia: 'ବିଶିଷ୍ଟ କବି, ଗାଳ୍ପିକ ତଥା କିମ୍ବଦନ୍ତୀ ଗାୟକ ଅକ୍ଷୟ ମହାନ୍ତିଙ୍କ ଜୟନ୍ତୀରେ ଭକ୍ତିପୂତ ପ୍ରଣାମ' — translated: 'Devout salutations on the birth anniversary of distinguished poet, short-story writer, and legendary singer Akshaya Mohanty.'
Akshaya Mohanty, widely known by his affectionate sobriquet Khoka Bhai, remains one of the most celebrated figures in Odisha's cultural and literary landscape. A multi-faceted artist, he carved an enduring legacy as a poet, fiction writer, and singer whose Odia songs became the soundtrack of everyday life across the state. His compositions, rooted in the rhythms and emotions of Odia society, continue to resonate with audiences decades after they were first sung.
For Chief Minister Majhi, the tribute carries a particular cultural resonance. As Odisha's top elected representative, invoking Mohanty's memory publicly underscores the ruling dispensation's effort to honour the state's artistic heritage and connect governance with cultural pride — a gesture that speaks as much to the electorate's sensibilities as it does to personal reverence.
Akshaya Mohanty's birth anniversary is observed each year as a moment of collective remembrance in Odisha, with cultural events, song recitals, and literary discussions held across the state. His influence on Odia music and literature remains so pervasive that for many residents, his songs are not archival artefacts but living, breathing pieces of daily culture.
The Chief Minister's tribute, simple in its language yet weighty in its cultural freight, ensures that the state's highest office formally marks the day — a tradition that keeps the flame of Odisha's artistic legacy burning bright.
Point of View
But it carries genuine weight in Odisha, where Akshaya Mohanty's music and literature are woven into everyday life. For CM Majhi's BJP government — still consolidating its first full term in a state long dominated by a rival party — invoking Mohanty's memory signals an intent to embrace Odia cultural pride as a governing principle, not merely an electoral talking point. The tribute also reflects a broader national BJP pattern of anchoring political identity to regional cultural heritage. Whether such gestures translate into tangible support for Odia arts institutions is the question observers will track.
NationPress
12 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Akshaya Mohanty?
Akshaya Mohanty, affectionately called Khoka Bhai, was a distinguished Odia poet, short-story writer, and legendary singer whose works deeply shaped Odisha's cultural and literary identity.
Why did CM Majhi post a tribute to Akshaya Mohanty?
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi posted a tribute on X to mark Akshaya Mohanty's birth anniversary on October 12, 2026, paying devout salutations to the iconic artist.
When is Akshaya Mohanty's birth anniversary?
Akshaya Mohanty's birth anniversary falls on October 12, observed each year with cultural events, song recitals, and literary remembrance across Odisha.
What is Akshaya Mohanty known for?
He is known for his multifaceted contributions to Odia culture as a poet, fiction writer, and singer, with his songs remaining a living part of everyday Odia life.
Who is Mohan Charan Majhi?
Mohan Charan Majhi is the Chief Minister of Odisha and a senior BJP leader, who assumed office following the BJP's historic victory in the state in 2024.
