The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm at the UNNATI Bhawan premises in Bhubaneswar today. Smt. Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and unfurled the National Flag.
Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Padhee extended her heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all those present on the solemn occasion of Independence Day. Remembering the freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifices for the freedom of the country, she paid her respects to their invaluable contribution and said that the occasion is an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the progress of the State and the nation.
She emphasised that every individual associated with the Housing & Urban Development Department has an important role to play in nation-building. Referring to sanitation workers, Swachh Sathis, engineers and all other officials and staff working across the Department and its organisations, she said that each one is a vital part of the collective effort towards building a stronger and more developed nation.
Smt. Padhee called upon everyone to discharge their respective duties with dedication and work together to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the country. She highlighted the importance of collective effort, inclusion and citizen participation in achieving the vision of a developed India.
Referring to the address of the Hon’ble President of India on the eve of Independence Day, she said that the nation has made significant progress and has achieved many milestones, while much more remains to be accomplished. She expressed hope that through the participation and contribution of every section of society, India would continue its journey towards becoming a developed nation.
The ACS also expressed her gratitude to all the officers, staff and other participants for their presence and contribution to the Independence Day celebration. She reiterated that the spirit of Independence Day should inspire everyone to perform their responsibilities with renewed commitment and contribute to the larger goal of nation-building.
Senior officers of the Housing & Urban Development Department, along with Heads and staff of Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO), Public Health Engineering Organisation (PHEO) and Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board (OWSSB), attended the celebration.
The programme concluded with a renewed pledge to uphold the values of the Constitution, serve citizens with dedication and work collectively towards a developed, inclusive and prosperous India.
