Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today launched the ‘Kalas Yatra’ on the occasion of the statewide ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ programme.
The Kalas Yatra will start its journey to New Delhi from Tomorrow.
On the holy soil collected from all panchayats of the country and state, an Amrit Batika will be established in New Delhi.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that today’s India is the contribution of our martyrs and freedom fighters. They will forever be remembered. Paying homage to countless martyrs and freedom fighters of the country, the Chief Minister said that Odisha is a holy land.
“Many brave hearts have been martyred for the freedom and the glory of the motherland. The ‘Kalas Yatra’ will inspire us all to work for the unity and integrity of the country,” he added.
Patnaik also thanked the Prime Minister for thinking about a great event. He said that the ‘Amrit Batika’ to be built in New Delhi would be considered a place of pilgrimage for every Indian. The CM said that the Amrit Batika will awaken patriotism in every Indian and show future generations the value of the sacrifice of the fighters.
The Chief Minister thanked all who participated in ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ program.
Panchayati Raj, Information and Public Relations Minister Pradeep Amat said that the state government has taken up many programs to pay tribute to the brave hearts under the direction of the Chief Minister.
Tourism Minister Ashwini Patra said that the programme will inspire all to work for the state and country.
‘Vande Utkal Janani’ was played at the beginning while National Anthem was played at the end of the programme. A short film on Mahatma Gandhi was also played.
5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman V.K. Pandian, Development Commissioner Anu Garg and other senior officials were present on the occasion.
Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, Satyabrata Sahu gave the welcome address and highlighted the program. Jyoti Ranjan Das, Panchayatiraj Special Project Director, gave the vote of thanks.
