Bhubaneswar: In a significant tribute to India’s national identity, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the National Flag Plaza at Mahatma Gandhi Park near Janta Maidan in Bhubaneswar. Spanning an expansive 5600 square meters, this plaza stands as a monumental homage to the Indian National Flag, featuring a towering mast reaching a height of 100 feet.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including Housing and Urban Development Minister Usha Devi, Science and Technology Minister Ashok Chandra Panda, MLAs Ananata Narayan Jena and Susant Kumar Rout, BMC Mayor Sulochana Das, Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, BDA Chairman G Mathivathanan, Police Commissioner Sanjeeb Panda, BDA VC Balwant Singh, and other officials of OMC.
The National Flag Plaza is designed to encapsulate the historical struggles and milestones associated with the evolution of the Indian flag. Sandstone panels adorned with stainless steel plates showcase UV-printed flags from 1907 to 1947, complemented by portraits of national and local heroes from the freedom movement. Inscriptions of “JAI HIND” in the 22 official languages recognized under the Indian Constitution’s 8th schedule, along with the national anthem in Hindi and Odia scripts, add a multilingual and patriotic dimension to the installation.
Conceived by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), the execution of the project was a collaborative effort involving the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) and the Bhubaneswar Urban Knowledge Centre (BUKC) of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA). The ongoing maintenance and management of the flag plaza will be overseen by the BDA.
The 100-foot flag serves as a visual centerpiece, while sandstone-clad wall panels offer an educational journey through the evolution of the national flag. Beyond its symbolic importance, the plaza provides amenities such as a children’s play area, recreational mounds, a water fountain, and an audio sound system playing patriotic songs. The open space adjoining the plaza ensures unobstructed views of the flag, with strategic lighting for safety during gatherings.
Situated in the heart of Bhubaneswar, near Janta Maidan in Jaydev Vihar, Mahatma Gandhi Park spans 3.6 acres and is adorned with a prominent statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The completion of the National Flag Plaza has revitalized the park’s frontage, offering a space for citizens to come together and pay homage to the flag, enriching Bhubaneswar’s cultural and historical landscape. This initiative deepens the community’s connection to the nation’s heritage and symbols, fostering a sense of pride and unity.
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