Bhubaneswar, Jan 26 (NationPress) On Monday, Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati ceremoniously raised the national flag during the Republic Day celebrations at Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar, commemorating the nation's 77th Republic Day.

A total of 46 contingents from diverse services and educational establishments took part in the parade, which was overseen by Rakesh Kumar Sahoo, SDPO, R. Udayagiri, with Sarat Chandra Jani serving as Parade Commander. Sekhar Mohapatra acted as Adjutant, while Parameswar Hansdah, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Armed), 7th Battalion, Bhubaneswar, fulfilled the role of Special Officer.

Additionally, 14 tableaux from various government departments, including Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Commerce and Transport, Energy, Fisheries and ARD, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, Health and Family Welfare, Home, and Housing and Urban Development, highlighted Odisha’s development initiatives and cultural legacy.

Post-parade, enchanting cultural displays took place, featuring performances such as ‘Sahijata’ by Rangasala, Puri; ‘Pasumukha’ by Bichitra Barnali Natya Sansad, Ganjam; ‘Bada Ghoda’ by Baidehi Kala Parisada, Puri; ‘Dolajata Patuara’ by Sankirtan Kalakar Urnayan Parisad, Cuttack; and a Santali dance by Sarana Marshall Cultural Sangha, Mayurbhanj.

In his Republic Day address, Governor Kambhampati conveyed his heartfelt wishes to the people of Odisha. He also honored Mahatma Gandhi, other freedom fighters, and the architects of the Constitution, including Dr B.R. Ambedkar.

Kambhampati acknowledged the valor and sacrifices of the Armed Forces, paramilitary units, and police in safeguarding the nation, inspired by the world’s most comprehensive written Constitution.

“Our Constitution is the largest written constitution in the world. It encapsulates the aspirations and visions of millions of Indians. The Indian Constitution has fortified our unity, solidarity, and secular nature, demonstrating that unity in diversity embodies Indianness,” stated the Governor.

He urged citizens to persist in their collective endeavors to construct a ‘Viksit Bharat’, asserting that every individual's input is essential for elevating the country. The Governor emphasized that Odisha will play a pivotal role in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a revitalized eastern India.

“We aspire to rank among the top five state economies in the nation. By 2036, when Odisha celebrates its centenary, the state government aims to establish a 500 billion US dollar economy,” emphasized Kambhampati.

He further remarked that by 2047, during the centenary of Independence, Odisha will proudly contribute to a 1.5 trillion US dollar economy, emerging as one of the key growth states in India.

Highlighting various government initiatives to achieve these objectives, Kambhampati stated, “To reach this goal, the state government is prioritizing sectors such as renewable energy, petrochemicals, textiles, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, IT, and semiconductors.”

Due to the significant public turnout, the Commissionerate Police implemented enhanced security measures, including extensive CCTV monitoring. Traffic restrictions and rerouting were enforced in key city areas to ensure smooth transit and public safety during the event.