Bhubaneswar: The 82nd Odisha State Foundation Day ‘Odisha Dibas’ was celebrated with gaiety and fervour at the Sri Satya Sai International Centre, Lodi Road in New Delhi. The function was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Dr. Sunil Kumar Bhargava, IAS, Chief Resident Commissioner, Government of Odisha, New Delhi, by lighting the traditional lamp and offering flowers to the idol of Lord Jagannath and the portraits of the illustrious Sons of Odisha.
In his address, Dr. Bhargava mentioned that Odisha of today is a prosperous State and that the State has advanced in every field. He stated that in last seventeen years the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik has ensured stability, sound governance and building of strong institutions in the State.
Dr. Bhargava mentioned that during last year the growth rate of the State at 8 per cent was higher than the National Growth Rate. Further, it is a proud achievement for Odisha that in last five years the State has been conferred the National Krishi Karman Award by Government of India for four years. The Human Development Model as adopted and implemented by Government of Odisha has attracted the attention of other States and the achievement of the State to include five million rural women of Odisha in Mission Shakti Movement is being applauded by all. Dr. Bhargava mentioned that Government of Odisha attaches highest priority to Skill Development and Balanced Economic and Social Development. He mentioned that in last ten years Odisha has achieved the highest rate of decline in poverty, infant mortality rate and under-five mortality rate. He added that Odisha has succeeded in creating a favourable business climate as a result of which the State is attracting huge private investments from both domestic and foreign investors.
In the ‘Make in Odisha’ Conclave held in Bhubaneswar during November-December, 2016, he mentioned that Odisha has got investment commitments amounting to Rs.2.03 lakh crore from various domestic and international investors.
Dr. Bhargava underlined that Odisha of today is not just about exquisite beaches, temples, music and dance; Odisha of today is a power house and is about value added manufacturing, innovation and robotics and Odisha is all set to become a modern and vibrant State in near future.
Earlier in the day, Chief Resident Commissioner, Dr. Sunil Kumar Bhargava also inaugurated an exhibition of Odisha Handloom, Handicrafts, Cuisine and Tourism organised on the occasion. A photo exhibition of Sevas/ Rituals of Lord Jagannath and Shree Mandir was organised for the first time as part of the Odisha Day Celebrations. The exhibition attracted a lot of interest.
Resident Commissioner, Shri Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra gave away prizes to nine Odia students studying in different schools in Delhi and NCR. The students had participated in a Drawing and Essay Competition organised by the Office of the Chief Resident Commissioner. Certificates of Appreciation were also presented to all the students who participated in the competition.
A colourful cultural programme of Odissi Dance fusion was presented by the disciples of Ms. Kasturi Patnaik. Devotional Odia songs/ bhajans were performed by eminent singer of the State Dr. Pranab Patnaik and Smt. Shailabhama Mohapatra. Odia residents of National Capital Territory enjoyed the musical evening and highly appreciated the performance of eminent singer Dr. Patnaik.
Sukhili Bhoga (Mahaprasad) for Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri was served to all invitees who attended the Odisha Dibas function. Government publications Odisha Review and Utkal Prasang were also distributed to the visitors on the occasion. Among other senior officers of Government of India, retired Officers, eminent Odias, Educationists, Journalists and Odia residents living in Delhi and NCR attended the Odisha Dibas function.
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