Bhubaneswar: The capital city reverberated with patriotic fervor today as the city celebrated the 75th State-level Republic Day with grandeur. The Mahatma Gandhi Marg adorned in patriotic hues set the stage for a spectacular display of national pride, with Hon’ble Governor Raghubar Das unfurling the National Flag at 8:30 AM. The ceremony, graced by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, unfolded with precision, blending tradition, and modernity in a unique spectacle.
The Mahatma Gandhi Marg, adorned with patriotic decorations, echoed with the tunes of patriotism and police bands, creating an atmosphere of reverence. Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, ACS Home Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Director General of Police Arun Kumar Sarangi, and Deputy Director General, NCC Commodore J. Suresh, welcomed Governor Raghubar Das and escorted him to the Flag Post.
Hon’ble Governor Raghubar Das, at 8:30 AM, unfurled the National Flag in the presence of 50 contingents from various services and educational institutions. The parade was meticulously supervised by A.B. Shilpa, ASP, Ganjam, assisted by Santosh Kumar Biswal, Deputy Commandant, 9th SIR Battalion, Kalahandi, Bhabani Prasad Jena, ACP, 7th Battalion, Bhubaneswar, and Parameswar Hansada, Asst. Commissioner, 7th Battalion, Bhubaneswar.
Following the parade, captivating cultural programs unfolded, featuring Tribal Dance by Baipariguda, Koraput, Jodisankha/Ranapa by Bhanjabihar, Ganjam, Sahijata/Medhanacha by Puri District, and Sambalpuri Dance by Padmapur, Bargarh.
Various government departments showcased their achievements through colorful tableaux, including Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Health and Family Welfare, Commerce and Transport, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, Skill Development and Technical Education, Housing and Urban Development, Tourism, ST & SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare, School and Mass Education, Fisheries and ARD, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Works, OMC, and Fire Services.
The tableaux depicted initiatives such as Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana, KALIA Scholarship, Ama Hospital, Ghare Ghare Laxmi, Karuna Resham, Nua Odisha Mission, Sudakshya Yojana, Drink From Tap, Transformation in Tourism Service Sector, JAHIRA, 5-T School Transformation, Fisheries and Prawn Culture through Bioflock, Cage Culture, Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha, and Infrastructure Development Projects, among others. The event reflected the unity, diversity, and progress of Odisha on this historic Republic Day celebration.