Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and Shastri Jayanti on Friday.
The tributes were offered during a programme organised at the Odisha Legislative Assembly premises in Bhubaneswar.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the sacrifices, values and public service of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri continue to inspire Indians.
Majhi said Gandhi not only played a central role in India’s freedom movement but also presented the world with ideas centred on morality, Satyagraha and non-cooperation.
According to the Chief Minister, Gandhi’s vision emphasised serving people at the margins of society, maintaining cleanliness and promoting Swadeshi.
Majhi said these ideals are being pursued through initiatives focused on cleanliness, self-reliance and extending development benefits to people at the grassroots level. He also referred to the Swachh Bharat Mission, the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Antyodaya-oriented welfare initiatives.
Referring to Lal Bahadur Shastri, Majhi highlighted his simple lifestyle, integrity and commitment to public service. He also recalled Shastri’s slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, saying it inspired a sense of responsibility and renewed energy among Indians.
The Chief Minister said the state would continue its efforts towards building a prosperous Odisha and a developed India while drawing inspiration from Gandhi’s principles of truth and non-violence and Shastri’s commitment to work and national service.
Sarva Dharma Prayer Held
As part of the observance, the Information and Public Relations Department organised a Sarva Dharma prayer meeting at the Assembly premises. Gandhi’s favourite devotional hymn, Ramdhun, was also performed.
Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Works, Law and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Government Chief Whip Saroj Kumar Pradhan, legislators and other senior leaders attended the programme.
