Bhubaneswar: In a proud moment celebrating patriotism and national pride, a 108-ft monumental national flagpole was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Berhampur campus. The flagpole, installed by the Flag Foundation of India, was inaugurated by Prof. Ashok Kumar Ganguli, Director of IISER, in the presence of Prashant Kumar Hota, President & Group Head (CSR & Education), Jindal Steel; Maj Gen Ashim Kohli (Retd), CEO of the Flag Foundation of India; and Pradeep Kumar Ray, Registrar, IISER Berhampur.
A grand 36 ft × 24 ft national flag was unfurled atop the flagpole, adding to the patriotic fervor of the occasion. Hundreds of students, faculty members, and staff participated enthusiastically in the event.
With this installation, IISER Berhampur becomes the first among the seven IISERs across India to host a monumental national flag on campus.
Addressing the students, Prof. Ganguli said, “The installation of the monumental national flag at IISER Berhampur is a moment of profound pride for our institution. Its presence on our campus will serve as a powerful source of inspiration for our students, researchers, and faculty, reminding us of our collective responsibility to contribute meaningfully to India’s progress.” He thanked Naveen Jindal, MP (Lok Sabha), and the Flag Foundation of India for facilitating this iconic installation on campus.
On the occasion, Naveen Jindal, President of the Flag Foundation of India, in a statement, praised the spirit of IISER in advancing scientific research in the country and said that the Tiranga on their campus would inspire students every day to contribute to nation-building and improve the quality of life of citizens through their scientific breakthroughs.
Prashant Kumar Hota, President and Group Head (CSR & Education), Jindal Steel, highlighted Naveen Jindal’s longstanding commitment to promoting the right of every Indian citizen to fly the national flag with dignity and respect. “Naveen Jindal’s remarkable 10-year legal struggle—initiated when he was just 24 years old—led to a historic victory granting every Indian citizen the right to fly the national flag with dignity and pride. His journey is a powerful reminder that with courage, conviction, and perseverance, each of us can play a meaningful role in nation-building,” said Hota.
Maj Gen Ashim Kohli (Retd), CEO of the Flag Foundation of India, said, “The national flag represents our collective spirit and unity. It is a source of pride for every Indian, and we are honored to support this initiative. The sight of the Tricolour soaring high will inspire generations of students to serve the nation with dedication.”
Jagannath Patro, Superintendent Engineer, Er. Sanjay Majhi, Senior Executive Engineer, and senior officials of IISER Berhampur coordinated the inauguration ceremony, which was filled with pride and reverence. As the grand flag unfurled atop the 108-ft pole, the campus resonated with applause, cheers, and a deep sense of national pride among all present.
