Bhubaneswar: A preparatory meeting for the 78th foundation day celebrations of Odisha’s capital city was held on Thursday at Lok Seva Bhavan under the chairpersonship of Chief Secretary Anu Garg.
The meeting reviewed arrangements for organising the celebrations in a coordinated manner, with instructions issued to concerned departments and institutions for smooth conduct of the events.
It was decided that the foundation day will be observed over two days on April 13 and 14. The second day’s programme will be held in coordination with the state government’s ‘Odia Pakhya’.
Details of the proposed events were presented by Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Chanchal Rana. The meeting discussed organising programmes to highlight the city’s heritage, culture and development.
On April 13 morning, floral tributes will be offered at the foundation plaque at PMG Square, followed by hoisting of the foundation day flag by the chief guest. A civil parade will be organised from Rabindra Mandap to Jayadev Bhavan.
An exhibition on the capital’s heritage and achievements will be organised at Jayadev Bhavan by the Information and Public Relations Department.
Keeping in view the summer conditions, the Chief Secretary directed that morning programmes, including the parade, be completed within the scheduled time. Necessary arrangements such as drinking water, ORS and other facilities for students were advised.
In the evening, ‘Rajdhani Gaurav Samman’ will be conferred at Utkal Mandap. Winners of various competitions will also be awarded, and cultural programmes will be organised by the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department.
On April 14, cultural programmes will be held at Utkal Mandap in coordination with ‘Odia Pakhya’. Guests will participate in the two-day celebrations.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements involving the district administration, police, fire services, health services, government and private institutions, banks and public participation.
The Bhubaneswar Development Authority will undertake cleaning, floral decoration and beautification of the foundation plaque area. Restoration of the fountain, preparation of the flag मंच, installation of welcome gates, parade management and decorative lighting from AG Square to Rabindra Mandap were also discussed.
Government buildings and major institutions across the city will be illuminated during the celebrations.
Directions were issued for media outreach, transportation arrangements for students, and coordination among police, transport, health, fire and emergency services for security and traffic management.
Several senior officials, including Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, senior departmental officers, district officials and members of the foundation day celebration committee, attended the meeting and shared their views.
