By Sandeep dwivedy
Post News Network

birthplace in Cuttack, Friday pix: Rajkishore Mohanty
Cuttack, Jan 23: The state government joined citizens of the millennium city in paying tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 118th birth anniversary at his birthplace here Friday.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik joined hundreds of schoolchildren at Janakinath Bhawan, Netaji’s birthplace, in paying their respects to the great freedom fighter.
“I’m delighted to be here today on the 118th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and to witness a number of improvements that have taken place here at his birthplace,” said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik after garlanding a statue of the leader.
Janakinath Bhawan, which has been converted into a museum, was decorated and redesigned with four of its galleries being renovated for the occasion. A newly-done garden was the centre of attraction. A new souvenir shop was opened inside the campus and books written by Netaji have been put on display along with his belongings.
Earlier, a rally was taken out by students from Ravenshaw University to Janakinath Bhawan. Several programmes to commemorate the event were organised by the district public relations office. In the evening, winners of various competitions organised on the eve of Netaji Jayanti were awarded. Cultural programmes were also organised by the students of Ravenshaw Collegiate School during the day.
School and mass education minister Debi Prasad Mishra, Cuttack MLA Debasis Samantaray, Cuttack Mayor Anita Behera, and others were present at the function.