Bhubaneswar: Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on Monday unfurled the national flag at the state-level Republic Day celebrations held at Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Bhubaneswar, marking the 77th Republic Day of India. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted Odisha’s development ambitions and outlined the state’s roadmap to becoming a leading economic powerhouse.
A total of 46 contingents from various government services, paramilitary forces, and educational institutions participated in the parade, which was supervised by SDPO Rakesh Kumar Sahoo, R. Udayagiri. Deputy Commandant Sarat Chandra Jani, 1st IR Battalion, Koraput, served as Parade Commander, while Sekhar Mohapatra acted as Adjutant and ACP (Armed) Parameswar Hansdah served as Special Officer.
The celebrations also featured 14 tableaux from different government departments, including Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Commerce and Transport, Energy, Fisheries and ARD, Handlooms, Textiles, Health, and Housing. These tableaux highlighted Odisha’s ongoing development projects and showcased the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Following the parade, cultural troupes staged performances that drew enthusiastic applause. Notable acts included Sahijata by Rangasala, Puri; Pasumukha by Bichitra Barnali Natya Sansad, Ganjam; Bada Ghoda by Baidehi Kala Parisada, Puri; Dolajata Patuara by Sankirtan Kalakar Urnayan Parisad, Cuttack; and a Santali dance by Sarana Marshall Cultural Sangha, Mayurbhanj.
In his address, Governor Kambhampati extended warm greetings to the people of Odisha and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi, freedom fighters, and Constitution framers, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He also lauded the Armed Forces, paramilitary units, and police for their dedication in safeguarding the nation.
“The Indian Constitution reflects the aspirations and dreams of crores of citizens. It has strengthened our unity, solidarity, and secular character, and shows the world that unity in diversity defines Indianness,” the Governor said.
Highlighting Odisha’s development ambitions, he emphasized the state’s vision of becoming a $500-billion economy by 2036 and joining the $1.5-trillion economy by 2047, focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, petrochemicals, textiles, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, IT, and semiconductors.
The Governor urged citizens to contribute to building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and underlined Odisha’s role in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “new dawn from the east.”
To ensure public safety during the celebrations, the Commissionerate Police implemented enhanced security measures, including extensive CCTV surveillance and traffic diversions across key routes.
The event drew large crowds, who cheered the parade contingents and enjoyed the cultural performances, making it a memorable Republic Day celebration for the state.
