Bhubaneswar: Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) Deemed to be University joined the rest of the country in celebrating 78th Independence Day here on Thursday.
Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Sitikantha Mishra, who hoisted the national Tricolour, took the salute in a colourful parade in which students of different SOA institutions, NSS volunteers of the university and security personnel participated.
“Freedom comes with responsibility,” Prof. Mishra said in his address to the students, faculty members and staff, underlining people’s role in upholding the country’s freedom.
Students of different institutions of SOA – which was recently ranked 14th among Indian universities in the NIRF rankings — presented songs and a number of cultural items based on patriotic themes.
Pro-Vice Chancellor cum Registrar Prof. Bibhuti Bhushan Pradhan, Dean of School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Prof. Sudam Chandra Si, Dean of Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital Prof. (Dr) Sanghamitra Mishra, Dean of Institute of Dental Sciences Prof. (Dr) Neeta Mohanty, Dean of Institute of Business and Computer Studies Prof. Anup Samantaray, Dean of Institute of Agricultural Sciences Prof. Santosh Kumar Rout, Dean of School of Hotel Management Prof. Sushant Kumar Chaini, Medical Superintendent of IMS and SUM Hospital Prof. (Dr) Pusparaj Samantasinhar, Joint Registrar Bhisma Charan Das, Director (Resource) cum Chief Vigilance Officer Jugal Kishore Das, Director (Legal Affairs) Sanjay Kumar Sahu, Director, University Outreach Programme Prof. Nachieketa K Sharma and senior officials were present.
Students of the Institute of Higher Secondary Education (IHSE), a Plus-Two science college run by SOA, were adjudged first in the parade while Institute of Agricultural Sciences and NSS volunteers finished second and third, respectively.
Pro-Vice Chancellor cum Registrar Prof. Pradhan hoisted the national flag at the University office.
