Bhubaneswar: Three individuals from Odisha have received prestigious invitations to the ‘At Home’ reception hosted by the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Republic Day 2026, recognising their outstanding contributions in diverse fields.
The invitees include Khushbu Jaipuria, a dedicated disaster management volunteer from Jharsuguda district; Rajendra Patra, a sanitation worker from Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district; and Dr Sibaji Panda, the founder of the Happy Hands School for the Deaf in western Odisha. These honorees exemplify grassroots excellence: Jaipuria’s volunteer efforts in disaster response, Patra’s essential role in maintaining public sanitation and hygiene, and Panda’s pioneering work in bilingual deaf education through his school, which emphasises sign language and inclusive learning for deaf children in a rural setting.
Panda’s invitation has drawn particular local attention, with reports highlighting his long-standing advocacy for deaf empowerment and education.
The annual ‘At Home’ reception, held on January 26 at the Cultural Centre in Rashtrapati Bhavan, brings together distinguished citizens, key personalities from various sectors, and diplomats to celebrate India’s unity, diversity, and achievements. The recognition underscores the government’s emphasis on honouring unsung heroes and contributors from all walks of life, reflecting the spirit of Republic Day in celebrating ordinary citizens who drive national progress.
The event also features a unique theme that highlights the nation’s rich art, culture, and heritage.
This year, it prominently showcases the traditions, crafts, and ecosystems of India’s northeastern “Ashtalakshmi” states through a specially curated invitation designed to honour local artisans and promote cultural inclusivity. For the unversed. The Ashtalakshmi states include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. They are symbolically associated with the eight forms of prosperity.
