Finance
On the occasion of World Organ Donation Day, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik gave prizes to family members of Suraj Award recipients and thanked volunteers, institutions, and response forces for their assistance following the Bahanaga train accident.
Speaking on the event, the Chief Minister stated that the emergence of human values and compassion following the Bahanaga incident has restored our faith in our society’s conscience.
He further said, “The incident at Bahanaga reminds us that disasters can strike at any time and anywhere. We need to enhance the capacities of our response teams and community volunteers to respond to such unforeseen disasters in a better manner. We require being in a constant state of preparedness.”
Recalling the contributions of individuals and organizations, he stated that the people of Bahanaga, local volunteers, institutions, and response forces have kept our heads held high by their prompt and selfless service.
The CM expressed his sympathies to those who died in the disaster.
He described the episode as a catastrophe that shook the country with multiple deaths, serious injuries, excruciating anguish, and indescribable sorrow.
He expressed sorrow and compassion to the deceased’s family members and complimented all of the volunteers and organizations that were honored.
Patnaik praised the district administration, led by Balasore Collector. People’s and administration’s roles in the disaster would be remembered for all time, he stressed.
The Chief Minister stated at the outset that today is the day to realise the value of service and sacrifice in society. It’s a day to reset our goal for a beautiful future.
Congratulating everyone, he stated that service to others and assisting others in need offers self-satisfaction. It gives our lives significance.
The Chief Minister also praised the honorees’ families for receiving the Suraj Award. The Suraj Award was given to Late Master Sudhanshu Sekhar Lenka of Jagatsinghpur district, Late Tanuja Kar of Cuttack district, and Late Prasenjit Mohanty of Bhubaneswar. Their essential organs were to save people’s lives. The CM thanked the Suraj Award winners’ families and said they will be remembered for their inspiring and excellent humanitarian efforts.
The Suraj prize winners’ families each received a financial prize of Rs 5 lakh.
The CM also paid respect to the late Suraj Behera, in whose honor this award is named, and stated that his parents’ sacrifice has encouraged organ donation in the state. They have set an encouraging example for the rest of society.
Pramila Mallick, Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management, recalled the tragedy and the incredible bravery of the people who came out in big numbers to rescue and save lives.
Niranjan Pujari, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, also spoke about the occurrence and the roles of locals and district administration. Both ministers praised the Chief Minister’s leadership.
ODRAF, NDRF, 108 Ambulance, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, SCB & MCH Cuttack, BMC Bhubaneswar, Fire & Emergency Services, Collector and SP Balasore, Fakir Mohan Medical College Balasore, Balasore DHH, North Odisha Chamber of Commerce, several voluntary and charitable organizations, social workers, and individual volunteers are among those who were honored.
The Balasore Collector described how, in the aftermath of the catastrophe, the whole state and district administration rushed into action to save as many lives as possible. He stated that all senior officers and the 5T secretary were monitoring the situation around the clock. The Chief Minister’s zero-casualty model was followed throughout this massive effort, he noted.
Pruthvi Ranjan Behera, President of Soro Adarsh Juba Parishad in Balasore, stated that he was one of the first witnesses of the incident. He described the support to the rescue operations, the organisation of the blood donation camp, and everything they did to save people.
In recounting her story, SMT Mrudu Manjari Mohapatra, wife of Suraj Award recipient late Prasenjit Mohanty of Bhubaneswar, said that in her despair, she opted to save the lives of other humans by giving the essential organs of her husband, who lost his life and was certified brain dead by medics.
Chief Secretary PK Jena, Secretary to the Chief Minister (5T) VK Pandian, and other high officers were in attendance.
Revenue & DM SRC and ACS Satyabrata Sahu delivered the opening remarks, and MD OSDMA moved the vote of gratitude.
Source:OCN
