Finance
Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati unfurled the national flag on Monday during the state-level Republic Day ceremonies at Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar, which marked India’s 77th Republic Day. Addressing the audience, he emphasized Odisha’s development goals and laid out the state’s path to becoming a leading economic powerhouse.
The parade featured 46 contingents from various government services, paramilitary forces, and educational institutions, and was overseen by SDPO Rakesh Kumar Sahoo and R. Udayagiri. Parade Commander was Deputy Commandant Sarat Chandra Jani of the 1st IR Battalion in Koraput, with Adjutant Sekhar Mohapatra and Special Officer ACP (Armed) Parameswar Hansdah.
The celebrations included 14 tableaux from several government agencies, including Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Commerce and Transport, Energy, Fisheries and ARD, Handlooms, Textiles, Health, and Housing. These tableaus highlighted Odisha’s ongoing development projects and celebrated the state’s rich cultural history.
Following the parade, cultural troupes conducted performances to rousing applause. Notable performances included Sahijata by Rangasala in Puri, Pasumukha by Bichitra Barnali Natya Sansad in Ganjam, Bada Ghoda by Baidehi Kala Parisada in Puri, Dolajata Patuara by Sankirtan Kalakar Urnayan Parisad in Cuttack, and a Santali dance by Sarana Marshall Cultural Sangha in Mayurbhanj.
In his address, Governor Kambhampati extended warm greetings to the people of Odisha and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi, freedom fighters, and Constitution framers, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He also lauded the Armed Forces, paramilitary units, and police for their dedication in safeguarding the nation.
“The Indian Constitution reflects the aspirations and dreams of crores of citizens. It has strengthened our unity, solidarity, and secular character, and shows the world that unity in diversity defines Indianness,” the Governor said.
He stressed Odisha’s economic objectives, including the state’s goal of becoming a $500-billion economy by 2036 and a $1.5-trillion economy by 2047, with a concentration on renewable energy, petrochemicals, textiles, medicines, biotechnology, information technology, and semiconductors.
The Governor exhorted citizens to help construct a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and emphasized Odisha’s role in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “new dawn from the east.”
To protect public safety during the celebrations, the Commissionerate Police increased security measures, including as extensive CCTV surveillance and traffic diversions on important routes.
The event gathered big crowds who cheered on the parade contingents and enjoyed the cultural events, making it an unforgettable Republic Day celebration for the state.
