Strap: From paying homage to Odia martyrs of Pulwama terror attack to various cultural programmes, the capital witnessed a gleeful observance of the 84th foundation day of the state
BHUBANESWAR: Numerous schools, irrespective of their medium of instruction, and colleges organised various cultural activities and other ceremonies to mark the 84th Utkal Diwas on their premises, Wednesday.
DAV Kalinga Nagar observed Utkal Divas amidst fervour and enthusiasm. The occasion started with floral tribute to the great souls of Odisha who were the forerunners of the great uprising to reconstruct and recognise the fragmented geographical entities into a special state named Odisha which gave it an entity both on political map of India and globally.
Principal of the school Bipin Kumar Sahoo highlighted the importance of the day and urged the students to prepare themselves as per the need of the hour and stand up to the great expectations of our forefathers while feeling proud to be an Odia. It was followed by a colourful cultural programme and self composed poetry recitation in which students staged a beautiful Odissi dance and the teachers recited their self-composed poem recounting the past glory and splendour of Odisha.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik greeted the people of Odisha on the occasion of the state’s 84th foundation day or Utkal Diwas.
“Greetings to the people of Odisha on statehood day. My best wishes to the state for a bright, prosperous and peaceful future,” President Kovind tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated the commendable contribution of the people of Odisha for nation building and also praised the contribution of the brave and the talented.
“The people of Odisha are known for their nobility and simplicity. I pray to Lord Jagannath for fast development of the state. Jay Jagannath,” PM Modi tweeted.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also extended his wishes to the people of the state on the occasion.
Mr Patnaik also called for an united effort for the development of the state and paid homage to all the personalities who were a part of the journey that led to the formation of Odisha as a separate state.
West Bengal Chief Minsiter Mamata Banerjee, too, greeted people on Utkal Dibasa on Twitter. “On the occasion of Utkala Dibasa, I extend my heartiest greetings to all my brothers and sisters in Odisha,” she said.
Renowned sand artist from Odisha Sudarsan Pattnaik shared artwork celebrating Utkal Dibasa on Twitter to wish people on the state’s foundation day. “Occasion of Utkal Diwas my students have created a sand art with the message ‘Vande Utkal Janani’ at Puri beach,” he said.
Homage to Pulwama martyrs of Odisha marked NALCO’s Utkal Divas celebration. “The brave sons of Odisha, who have lost their lives in Pulwama attack, have made the state and all of us proud. Navratna NALCO salutes their sacrifices and as a responsible corporate citizen, is always with the grief-stricken families of the brave martyrs,” said Dr.Tapan Kumar Chand, CMD, NALCO, while honouring the family members of Manoj Kumar Behera and Prasanna Kumar Sahoo, the martyrs of the Pulwama terrorist attack from Odisha.
