Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday kicked off the Gandhi Jyoti Yatra in Odisha on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Chief Minister kicked off the programme at the Gandhi Smruti Peeth at Balianta, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. He also inaugurated a photo exhibition featuring Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Odisha.
During his visit to Odisha, the Father of the Nation had stayed at Balianta for three days.
Speaking on the occasion, Naveen said the state government will organize several functions across the state for two years for massive propagation of thoughts and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.
He also inaugurated a new bridge named at Mahatma Gandhi Setu over the Kushabhadra river on Balianta-Balakati road constructed at a cost of Rs 27 crore. He also unveiled a statue of the Mahatma Gandhi near the bridge.
Prior to his visit to Balianta, Naveen had offered floral tribute at the status of Mahatma Gandhi inside the State Assembly premises. Among others, Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal, Speaker Pradip Kumar Amat, I&PR minister Pratap Jena, Tourism minister Ashok Chandra Panda and several eminent personalities were present.
The Chief Minister later dedicated the mechanical sweeping project near the Regional College Square and 50 Smart e-toilets to the denizens of the Odisha capital.
