Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Speaker Surama Padhy and other dignitaries paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on Gandhi and Shastri Jayanti at the Odisha Legislative Assembly premises on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Majhi said the sacrifice, ethics and service to the nation of Gandhi and Shastri remain an enduring source of inspiration for every Indian.
Majhi said Mahatma Gandhi not only played a historic role in India’s freedom struggle but also gave the world a philosophy rooted in ethics, Satyagraha and non-cooperation.
He also said Gandhi’s vision centred on serving the last person in society, maintaining cleanliness and promoting Swadeshi. According to the CM, these ideals are being carried forward through initiatives aimed at cleanliness, self-reliance and taking development to the poorest sections of society.
Referring to Lal Bahadur Shastri, Majhi highlighted his simple lifestyle, high ideals and honesty, describing him as an example of dedication to public service. He also recalled Shastri’s call of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, which, he said, inspired the nation with a renewed sense of responsibility and energy.
The CM went on to say that the state would continue its efforts to build a prosperous Odisha and a developed India by drawing inspiration from Gandhi’s principles of truth and non-violence and Shastri’s commitment to duty and service to the nation.
The Information and Public Relations Department organised an all-faith prayer meeting on the Assembly premises as part of the observance. Ramdhun, described as Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite bhajan, was also rendered during the programme.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Works, Law and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling, Chief Whip Saroj Kumar Pradhan, MLAs and other senior leaders were present at the programme
