Bhubaneswar: On the historic occasion of August Kranti Diwas, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Sunday launched the historic ‘Ghare Ghare Tiranga’ campaign in Bhubaneswar, appealing to the 4.5 crore citizens of Odisha to proudly hoist the National Flag at every home, village, panchayat, school, and office across the state from August 9 to 17.
Paying tributes to freedom fighters, martyrs and the immortal sons of Odisha in his address, the Chief Minister recalled that the Quit India Movement, which began on August 9, 1942, from the August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai, gave a new direction to India’s freedom struggle. “The Tricolour is not merely a combination of three colours; it represents the self-respect, pride, and aspirations of 140 crore Indians,” CM Majhi said.
He elaborated that saffron symbolises courage and sacrifice, white denotes peace and truth, green represents prosperity, and the Ashoka Chakra at the ceneer inspires continuous duty toward the nation.
The Chief Minister urged people to completely reject plastic flags and use only cloth flags to make this sacred national festival fully environment-friendly.
Vibrant Grand Rally Echoes Patriotism
The launch featured a grand rally (padayatra) through the capital city, marked by high patriotic enthusiasm. Thousands of participants, including school and college students, Scouts and Guides, NCC and NSS volunteers, dignitaries, and international athletes, marched with national flags chanting “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Cultural troupes from across Odisha added vibrancy with traditional folk dance performances.
Addressing the youth and ‘Gen-Z’, the Chief Minister warned against external influences, social media misuse, and substance abuse designed to mislead the younger generation. He advised the youth not to fall into their trap and to give patriotism the highest priority, raising the slogan: “One voice of youth power — our country will be secure!”
Odisha’s Role in ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’
CM Majhi affirmed that Odisha will play a decisive role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’ He stated that the contributions of the state’s farmers, workers, youth, and self-reliant women will position Odisha as a primary engine of India’s economic and industrial growth. He also encouraged citizens to honour the families of brave soldiers and police personnel serving the country during the Independence Day celebrations.
Deputy Chief Ministers KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, and Higher Education, Odia Language, Literature and Culture as well as Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj were among those present on the dais.
Also present were Kandhamal MP Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi, Digapahandi MLA Siddhant Mohapatra, Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Palalahada MLA Ashok Mohanty, Pipili MLA Ashrita Pattanaik, BJP Odisha State Organisation General Secretary Manas Mohanty and BJP Odisha State In-charge Shri Bijaypal Singh Tomar, who graced the programme.
International-level sportspersons of Odisha including Pramod Bhagat, Anupama Swain, Sunil Pradhan, Rabi Kumar and Kamala Kanta Nayak were present and inspired the youth with patriotism and enthusiasm.
