Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Tuesday launched two-year-long celebrations to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The celebrations which began Tuesday on Gandhi’s 149th birth anniversary will be held across the state till 2020, Naveen said while launching the celebrations at a programme held at Gandhi Smruti Peeth in Balianta on the outskirts of the Capital City.
On the occasion, the CM inaugurated a photo exhibition featuring Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Odisha. Gandhi made about seven trips to the state between 1921 and 1946.
Stating that Gandhi stayed for three days at Balianta during his visit to the state in May 1934, Naveen said different programmes have been undertaken by the state government to highlight the ideals of the father of the nation.
Naveen also inaugurated a bridge, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 27 crore, over river Kusabhadra and is named after Mahatma Gandhi. A statue of Mahatma Gandhi was also unveiled on the occasion.
In the morning, Naveen attended a function on the state Assembly premises and offered floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
Governor Ganeshi Lal, Speaker Pradip Kumar Amat, Information and Public Relations minister Pratap Jena, Tourism minister Ashok Chandra Panda and several others were present there.
The Chief Minister later dedicated a mechanical sweeping project and 50 Smart e-toilets in the city to the citizens.
Reports of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary celebrations were received from across the state. While different activities were held at several places, special prayers were organised at educational institutes.
