Odisha Marks 77th State-Level Republic Day with Grand Parade and Cultural Showcase

Bhubaneswar: The 77th State-level Republic Day celebration was observed with grandeur and patriotic fervour at Mahatma Gandhi Marg in the State Capital on Sunday. Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati unfurled the National Flag at 8.30 AM and took the ceremonial salute at the parade, marking the commencement of the celebrations.

The venue was elaborately decorated, while patriotic songs and stirring police band performances set a vibrant and solemn tone for the occasion. On his arrival, the Governor was received by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hemant Sharma, Director General of Police Y. B. Khurania, and Deputy Director General, NCC, Commodore Vikram Singh, who escorted him to the flag post.

As many as 46 contingents from various services and educational institutions marched in the parade, showcasing discipline and unity. The parade was supervised by Rakesh Kumar Sahoo, SDPO, R. Udayagiri. Sarat Chandra Jani, Deputy Commandant, 1st IR Battalion, Koraput, served as the Parade Commander, while Sekhar Mohapatra acted as Adjutant. Parameswar Hansdah, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Armed), 7th Battalion, Bhubaneswar, performed duties as Special Officer.

The ceremonial proceedings were followed by a series of captivating cultural performances that reflected Odisha’s rich folk traditions. The performances included ‘Sahijata’ by Rangasala, Puri; ‘Pasumukha’ by Bichitra Barnali Natya Sansad, Ganjam; ‘Bada Ghoda’ by Baidehi Kala Parisada, Puri; ‘Dolajata Patuara’ by Sankirtan Kalakar Urnayan Parisad, Cuttack; and a vibrant Santali dance by Sarana Marshall Cultural Sangha, Mayurbhanj, drawing warm applause from the audience.

Tableaux presented by various Government departments highlighted key development initiatives, welfare programmes and achievements of the State. Departments including Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Commerce & Transport, Energy, Fisheries & ARD, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts, Health & Family Welfare, Home, Housing & Urban Development, Mission Shakti, Panchayatiraj & Drinking Water, School & Mass Education, Skill Development & Technical Education, Tourism and Works participated in the tableau movement, offering a visual narration of Odisha’s development journey.

The programme was attended by Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioners-cum-Secretaries of different departments, senior police officers and other dignitaries. Among those present were Director, Information & Public Relations Anuj Kumar Daspattanaik, Director (Technical) Gurbir Singh, and several senior officials.

The event was smoothly coordinated by Sucheta Priyadarsini, Deputy Director (Field), with support from Rojalin Sahu and Binayak Mishra, Public Relations Officers of the I&PR Department, ensuring the successful conduct of the State-level Republic Day