Bhadrak: The district-level 77th Republic Day celebrations were held with patriotic fervour at Bhadrak on Sunday, where Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister for Housing & Urban Development, Government of Odisha, unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at the combined parade as the Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Mahapatra said it was a matter of pride and honour for him to participate as the Chief Guest in the district-level Republic Day function. He recalled the historic importance of January 26, stating that on this day in 1950, India became a sovereign democratic republic with the adoption of its own written Constitution, replacing the British constitutional system and laying the foundation for an independent framework of governance.
Paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters and great national leaders, the Minister said their supreme sacrifices, indomitable courage and unwavering patriotism would always be remembered by the people of Odisha. He noted that their struggle ensured the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the nation.
Highlighting the significance of the Indian Constitution, Dr Mahapatra said Dr Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar gifted the nation a robust constitutional framework that upholds democratic values and good governance. Political freedom, social justice, secularism, respect for human rights and the establishment of a free and inclusive society, he said, form the core ideals of the Constitution, reflecting the hopes and aspirations of crores of Indians rooted in the country’s rich philosophy, heritage and culture.
Dr Mahapatra also outlined the State Government’s vision to build a ‘Prosperous Odisha’ by 2036 and a ‘Developed Odisha’ by 2047, and called upon citizens to take a collective resolve on the auspicious occasion of Republic Day to work together towards making Odisha one of the leading states in the country.
On the occasion, the Minister distributed prizes and certificates of merit to school and college students who excelled in various district-level competitions organised as part of the Republic Day celebrations. Later, he visited the District Headquarters Hospital, where he distributed fruits to indoor patients and conveyed his best wishes for their speedy recovery.