Bhubaneswar: Trainee officers from the National Defence College (NDC), New Delhi, currently on a study tour of Odisha, called on Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan on Wednesday.
The visiting delegation comprised officers from the Indian Armed Forces along with military officers from friendly foreign nations including Armenia, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Mongolia and Nepal. The interaction formed part of the NDC’s study tour programme aimed at familiarising senior defence officers with India’s socio-economic development, governance frameworks and strategic outlook.
Addressing the officers, the Chief Minister underlined the ethos of national service, stating that for the government and people of Odisha, “the country means nothing less than national service.” He said this commitment is deeply rooted in the emotional and professional fabric of every military officer and resonates strongly with the values upheld by the armed forces.
Majhi praised the Indian Armed Forces for the successful execution of “Operation Sindoor,” saluting the courage, discipline and selfless service displayed during the operation. “I salute the bravery and valour shown by our forces. Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to your unwavering commitment and professionalism,” he said.
Highlighting Odisha’s historical legacy, the Chief Minister spoke about the heroism and martial traditions of ancient Odisha, while also outlining the state’s transformation in contemporary times. He noted that Odisha has carved out a distinct identity at the national level through rapid progress in sectors such as industry, infrastructure, education, sports and disaster management.
During the interaction, officers from participating countries engaged in discussions with the Chief Minister and expressed appreciation for Odisha’s development trajectory and governance initiatives across sectors.
Senior officers from the Indian Armed Forces and representatives from friendly nations took part in the deliberations. The meeting was attended by Air Marshal Manish Kumar Gupta, Major General C.P. Sangra, Chief Minister’s Advisor Prakash Mishra, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswata Mishra, and other senior defence and civil officers.
