Bhubaneswar: A high-level preparatory meeting for the grand celebration of the 78th Foundation Day of Odisha’s capital city Bhubaneswar was held today at Lok Seva Bhavan under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anu Garg.
The Chief Secretary gave necessary instructions and suggestions to various departments and institutions to celebrate the Capital Foundation Day with great joy and enthusiasm.This year, it has been decided to observe the festival separately on April 13 and in collaboration with the state government’s ‘Odia Pakhya’ on April 14.
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Chanchal Rana presented the detailed programs planned for the occasion. The meeting emphasised the main objective of the celebrations – to showcase the rich history, vibrant culture, and impressive development of Bhubaneswar city and to make the day truly memorable for everyone. On the morning of April 13, garlands and bouquets will be offered at the foundation stone plaque at PMG Square and the national flag will be hoisted by the chief guest. An attractive parade will be organised from Rabindra Mandap to Jayadev Bhawan.
The Information and Public Relations Department will organise a special photo exhibition at Jayadev Bhawan highlighting the history and glory of the capital city.Keeping in mind the prevailing heat wave conditions, Chief Secretary Anu Garg directed that all morning parade programmes be completed within the scheduled early hours. She emphasised providing sufficient drinking water, ORS packets and other necessary facilities, especially for the participating students.
In the evening of April 13, the prestigious ‘Rajdhani Gaurav Samman’ will be presented at Utkal Mandap. Winners of various competitions organised as part of the celebrations will be felicitated. An engaging cultural programme will also be presented by the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture.
On the second day, April 14, a grand cultural programme will be held in the evening at Utkal Mandap in coordination with ‘Odia Pakhya’. Distinguished guests are expected to grace the events over the two days.The meeting discussed the active participation of the Khordha District Administration, Police, Fire Service, Health Department, government and private institutions, public sector banks and the general public in making the celebrations successful.
The Bhubaneswar Development Authority has been assigned to clean and beautify the area around the foundation stone, decorate it with flowers, re-establish the water fountain, prepare the flag-hoisting stage and erect welcome pavilions at important locations.Other major arrangements include illumination from AG Chowk to Rabindra Mandap and decoration and lighting of important government buildings such as Lok Bhavan, Lok Seva Bhavan, Kharavela Bhavan, the Assembly Hall and all prominent private institutions, public sector banks and commercial establishments across the city.
All programmes will be widely publicised through the media. Arrangements for transport of students will be made and the Police Commissionerate along with the Transport Department have been instructed to keep security, traffic control, health, fire and emergency services fully ready.
The meeting was attended by Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Commissioner and Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs Department Bhupendra Singh Punia, Commissioner and Secretary, Schools and Mass Education Department Dr. N. Tirumala Naik, District Collector, Khordha Amrit Ruturaj,, Director of Sports and Youth Services Department Vijay Yeddula, Director of Information and Public Relations Department Anuj Kumar Das Patnaik, Director of Tourism Department Dipankar Mohapatra, with senior officials of various departments including Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department, Housing and Urban Development Department 1, Watco, Police Commissionerate and Fire Services, Chairman of the Capital Establishment Day Celebration Committee and senior journalist Pradosh Patnaik, Vice President Pradyumna Kumar Mohanty and General Secretary Sanat Mishra were present and gave their well-thought-out suggestions for the successful organization of the Capital Foundation Day ceremony.
