Bhubaneswar: On the call of chief minister Naveen Patnaik, entire Odisha on Wednesday joined in offering one-minute silent prayer in memory of the COVID Warriors who made the supreme sacrifice on duty.
At the stroke of 6 pm, Governor Ganeshi Lal at Raj Bhavan and the chief minister at his residence offered the prayer to honour the frontline warriors like doctors, nurses, health workers, police personnel, ASHA and Anganwadi workers who were engaged in service of COVID-19 patients and passed away.
The vehicular traffic on roads came to a standstill across the state for one minute, while the employees in government and corporate offices joined in offering the mass prayer.
Different departments of the state government, hospitals, health centres, police stations, collectorates, DGP office, twin city police commissionerate also participated in the silent prayer in office corridors, open space and premises.
Officers of the rank of additional secretary and above joined the event at the convention centre in Lok Sewa Bhawan here also.
Reports of people offering prayer also came in from the offices at district to panchayat level in the entire state.
Following the prayer, the chief minister administered the oath to act responsibly against the spread of COVID-19 and strictly follow the COVID guidelines to keep themselves and their families safe.
Naveen said 25 COVID Warriors who have lost their lives in the fight against the pandemic have set an example of sacrifice, dedication and humanity. It is an occasion to recall their selfless service to the patients at the cost of personal and family interest, he added.
“I will win, my Odisha will win and the mankind will win in the fight against COVID-19,” the chief minister said in the resolution.
The programme was telecast live on the Odia TV channels and over OSWAN in all the blocks. There was also live streaming on Twitter and Facebook.
