Odisha today observed Shaheed Diwas at the State Assembly premises, paying solemn tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his death anniversary.
The ceremony began with floral tributes at Gandhi’s statue by Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Speaker Surama Padhy, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, Deputy Speaker Bhabani Sankar Bhoi, Chief Whip Saroj Kumar Pradhan, Deputy Chief Whip Gobinda Chandra Das, and several legislators including Babu Singh and Bhaskar Chandra Madhei. Former ministers and MLAs also joined the homage.
Odisha Police Band performed the national anthem, followed by the rendition of Gandhi’s favourite bhajan, Vaishnav Jan To, by artists of Saswati Socio-Cultural Centre. Police personnel honoured martyrs with ceremonial gun salutes, a two-minute silence, and a Ramdhun performance before concluding with the national anthem.
Assembly Secretary Satyabrata Raut, Information and Public Relations Director Anuj Kumar Das Pattanaik, and other senior officials offered floral tributes. Gurbir Singh, Director (Technical) of I&PR, and Deputy Director Sucheta Priyadarshini coordinated the event.
The solemn occasion reminded citizens of Gandhi’s ideals of truth and non-violence, which continue to inspire the nation. Odisha leaders reiterated their commitment to uphold his values and honour the sacrifices of martyrs.
