BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday paid tribute to the Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 153rd birth anniversary.
Naveen said the solemn occasion of Gandhi Jayanti has a special significance this year as the nation is commemorating the 75th year of Independence.
On this occasion, there was a celebration of peace, non-violence and freedom at Lok Seva Bhawan during which the chief minister urged the people to join hands to make India strong in the spirit of peace, non-violence and brotherhood.
The chief minister also planted a peepal tree on the premises of Lok Seva Bhawan (state secretariat) with soil and water collected from various parts of the state and named it “Freedom Tree”.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said “the tree will be a messenger of peace, freedom and non-violence for all of us”.
The chief minister also received the “Ahimsa Rath”, which travelled for 49 days across the state covering approximately 20,000 km to spread the message of non-violence.
He also released special editions of Utkal Prasang and Odisha Review. He also released a special commemorative publication on the visit of Mahatma Gandhi to Odisha.
On Gandhi Jayanti, veteran freedom fighter and president of State Freedom Fighters’ Association Nilamani Samal presented a charkha to the chief minister. Naveen also honoured Samal.
A special function was also organised on the state assembly premises which was attended by governor Ganeshi Lal, the chief minister, speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha and several ministers. Gandhi Jayanti was also celebrated across the state.
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