Bhubaneswar: The fifth edition of Raahgiri, too, was well received by citizens. Scores participated in the numerous activities associated with the event with zeal.
Dhenkanal MP and editor of Dharitri and Orissa POST Tathagata Satpathy, Bhubaneswar MP Prasanna Patasani, housing and urban development minister Pushpendra Singh Deo, principal accountant general, Kerala, Amar Patnaik, culture and tourism minister Ashok Chandra Panda, MLA (North) Priyadarshi Mishra, and Oriya actors Sabyasachi Mishra, Archita Sahu and Pinky Pradhan were among the dignitaries at the opening ceremony of the event.
Satpathy addressed the gathering at the event. “We talk about intolerance but we are not accepting new ideas. A symbol of modernity is one’s ability to welcome new ideas. Raahgiri is a new thought, and the presence of citizens who have assembled here is proof that people from all walks of life have accepted this new idea and are making it a huge success,” he said and added that only such modern thinking could help make Bhubaneswar a Smart City.
Satpathy went on to congratulate Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and Bhubaneswar Development Authority for the efforts they have taken to get the city included in the first list of Smart Cities.
Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena reiterated that the city had bagged an award from Union ministry for urban development for its efforts to ensure cleanliness in the Capital. He also announced the launch of community cleaning, which started from Raahgiri.
The intentions of the civic body were made clear as it collected fines totalling `700 from three persons who had littered the Raahgiri venue. According to Gopal Panigrahi, the public relations officer of BMC, another 21 persons, who refused to pay fines, were given roses — a token gesture to persuade them to not litter public places.
Highlights of the event included an exhibition on wetland birds organised by city-based eco group Wildies, selfie counters and gift a rose campaign by Bakul foundation to mark Valentine’s Day.
Actors Archita and Sabyasachi led cultural and dance programmes at the event and crowds cheered them on throughout their performance.
Traditional Oriya games ‘Puchi’ and ‘Bati’ (game of marbles) gave the event an ethnic touch. PNN
