Students' parade, exhibition mark capital's 75th birthday in Bhubaneswar

BHUBANESWAR: The three-day Capital Foundation Day celebrations began with a ceremonial parade and exhibition in the city that turned 75 on Thursday.
Contingents of different schools and colleges took part in the parade.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik greeted the residents of Bhubaneswar on the occasion of the capital city's foundation day. "With the united effort of all people, we can make the city beautiful," he added.
Governor Ganeshi Lal congratulated all on the Capital Foundation Day and advised the residents of the city to make the state capital a prosperous and greener city. Similarly, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan also greeted people on this day.

In the morning, students from different educational institutions took part in the civilian parade near the state assembly. Chief guest of the celebration, state assembly speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha, paid floral tributes on Bhubaneswar's foundation stone, which was laid by the country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1948.
The celebration committee honoured 13 people with Rajdhani Gourab Samman. Cultural troupes performed at the event in the evening. Different competitions were conducted among the students as a part of the celebration. A photo exhibition on Bhubaneswar was also conducted here.
Forest and environment minister Pradip Kumar Amat, who attended the evening function, said the city has grown by leaps and bounds. Many development initiatives have been taken for the growth of the capital city. Residents should come forward to make the city beautiful, clean and green, he added. On the second day, a marathon will be organised in the morning time. In the evening, a cultural programme will be held.