The 155th Birth Anniversary of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, who gave the world the immortal credo of truth, non-violence and peace was celebrated at Rourkela on 2nd October in an ambience of devotion, commitment and serenity. A grand function was organized by Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) at Civic Centre to mark the day. Recitation of bhajans, rendition of the mantra of ‘Sarbadharma Samanwaya’ and revisiting of the key learnings from the life of the Mahatma made the occasion a truly memorable one.
Many distinguished persons of Rourkela offered floral tributes to the statue of Gandhiji. They included Mr. Atanu Bhowmick, Director In-Charge, Mr. Tarun Mishra, ED (HR) with the additional charge of ED (Projects), Mr. Alok Vema, ED (Mines) with additional charge of ED (Works), Mr. A K Behuria, ED (F&A), Mr. Anil Kumar, CGM In-charge (MM), Dr. J K Acharya, CMO In-charge (M&HS), many other senior officers of RSP and eminent citizens of the steel city and a large number of students.
The celebration began with the mellifluous rendering of Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite prayer, ‘Baishnaba Janato….’ by Mrs. Ashalata Sarangi, an eminent singer, and the artists of Singhari kala Niketan.
A Sarbadharma Sadhbhawna Sabha was the highlight of the programme. Rendering of portions of Holy Guru Granth Sahib, by members of Mr. Guru Singh Sabha, Rourkela, some stanzas from the Holy Bible by a group from Sacred Heart Cathedral Church, Hamirpur, Holy Koran by a group from Ispat Anjuman, Sector -15 and recitation of portions of Shrimad Bhagwad Geeta by students from Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Sector-7 were the highlights of the program. A skit on the life and ideology of Bapuji by the artists of Kalyani Kala Parishad was the highlight of the cultural programme.
The programme concluded with the collective reciting Bapu’s favourite Ramdhun. The programme was anchored by Mr. Anil Mallick, MOMT, Silicon Steel Mill.
Earlier in the morning, the DIC along with other Senior Officers offered floral tributes to the statue of Gandhiji at the scenic Mahatma Gandhi Udyan and paid their obeisance.
