Phulbani,25th Aug 2025: On the occasion of Janmashtami and the death anniversary of Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati, security arrangements have been tightened at Chakapada. On his 17th death anniversary, heartfelt tributes were paid to the great saint.
Swamiji was not confined to the identity of a Hindu monk. His personality extended far beyond. He was a sharp voice against fraudulent caste certificates, land grabs of tribals, and their exploitation. Swamiji also stood strongly against religious conversions that continued unchecked in violation of the state’s anti-conversion law—he was one of the leading figures opposing it.
Education of tribals, especially of girl children, was his foremost priority. Equally, he guided tribals on forest protection, irrigation, and agriculture as pathways to economic progress.
Regarding his murder and the communal riots that followed, impartial investigation was demanded. Justice Naidu submitted his report on the matter, and later Justice Mohapatra Commission too investigated and submitted its report to the state government. However, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has alleged that despite all this, the accused have not been arrested and the inquiry report has not been made public. They also charged that the government had failed to take proper action earlier.