Bhubaneswar: The Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Department today held a preparatory meeting under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma to finalise the arrangements for the 79th Independence Day celebrations to be held on August 15, 2025.
Highlighting the significance of the national festival, Sharma stressed the importance of detailed planning and flawless execution.
“Independence Day is a symbol of national pride. Every aspect of the event must reflect dignity and precision,” he stated.
This year, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will grace the State-level celebration as the Chief Guest. He will hoist the National Flag and receive the ceremonial salute at the combined parade on Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar.
To ensure a smooth celebration, practice parades will be conducted from August 11 to 13. The main event on August 15 will include the morning bugle call, a ceremonial ‘Ramdhun,’ and live broadcast coverage through TV and social media channels.
Venue decoration, guest seating, and media arrangements were also discussed in detail. Sharma advised enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the area from Raj Bhavan to the parade ground.
The best contingents and announcing teams will be awarded during the Independence Day ceremony. On that day, the Chief Guest will also unveil special editions of ‘Utkal Prasanga’ and ‘Odisha Review,’ published by the I&PR Department to mark Independence Day.
The I&PR Department will oversee the printing and distribution of official invitations. Government offices and major institutions will be illuminated to mark the occasion. Similar events will be held in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, as well as at district and sub-divisional levels across Odisha.
The meeting was attended by Divisional Director Anuj Kumar Das Pattanaik, Additional Secretary Bishnupriya Sahoo, Deputy Director (Region) Sucheta Priyadarshini, Financial Advisor Prithviraj Pani, and other senior officials from the department.
