Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today launched the historic ‘Ghar Ghar Tiranga’ campaign in Bhubaneswar on the occasion of August Kranti Diwas, and made a special appeal to the state’s Gen-Z to carry forward the spirit of patriotism in the digital age.
Marking the day, the Chief Minister called upon all 4.5 crore people of Odisha to proudly hoist the national flag in every village, panchayat, town, house, school and office from August 9 to 17.Paying tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs, CM Majhi recalled that the Quit India Movement which began on August 9, 1942 from August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai gave a new direction to India’s freedom struggle.
He said the national flag, the Tiranga, is not just three colors but the symbol of identity, glory and aspirations of 140 crore Indians. “Saffron represents courage and sacrifice, white represents peace and truth, green represents prosperity, and the Ashoka Chakra in the center teaches us to keep moving on the path of duty,” he said.
The Chief Minister also made a strong appeal to shun plastic flags and use only cloth flags to make the national celebration completely environment-friendly.A grand procession was organized to mark the launch. Students from various schools and colleges, along with Scouts and Guides, NCC and NSS volunteers, marched with tricolors in hand. Cultural troupes from different parts of Odisha performed traditional folk dances and arts. The Chief Minister along with other dignitaries, eminent sportspersons and thousands of students joined the procession chanting “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.
Addressing the Gen-Z and youth of the state, the Chief Minister warned that in today’s digital age, invisible forces, misuse of social media and drugs are being used to mislead young people. “That invisible evil force will never succeed in its purpose. Give priority to patriotism and do not fall for their delusions,” he advised.
The Chief Minister further said Odisha will play the most decisive role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat – 2047’ vision. He said the state will become a major engine of the country’s economic and industrial growth due to the contribution of farmers, workers, youth and women. On the occasion of Independence Day, he urged the public to honour the families of brave soldiers and policemen engaged in the country’s security.
Deputy Chief Ministers KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, and Higher Education, Culture and Sports & Youth Services Minister Suryavanshi Suraj were present as key dignitaries.
The event also witnessed the presence of Kandhamal MP Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi, Digapahandi MLA Siddhant Mohapatra, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Pallahara MLA Ashok Mohanty, Pipili MLA Ashrit Patnaik, BJP Odisha State Organization General Secretary Manas Mohanty, and BJP Odisha State In-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar.
Eminent sportspersons Pramod Bhagat, Anupama Swain, Sunil Pradhan, Jayanti Behera and Kamalakanta Nayak also attended the event and inspired the youth with messages of patriotism and pride.
