The centenary birth anniversary of veteran CPI leader and ex-MLA of Brajrajnagar Prasanna Panda was observed here on Thursday being organised by the Prasanna Panda Smruti Committee and the Prasanna Panda Law College, Jharsuguda.
A seminar on 'The Magic of Democracy' was held where distinguished personalities spoke. Chief speaker columnist Abhiram Biswal said, "Prasanna Panda gave voice to the common man and continued fighting for their interests. He led a series of agitations against environmental pollution, displacement of tribals and destruction in the name of development.”
Chief guest newly-elected Brajrajnagar MLA Alaka Mohanty said she had been influenced to a great extent by the extraordinary personality of Prasanna Panda. "I consider myself fortunate that I am serving the same constituency which he once led."
AITUC State president Ashok Dash, senior journalist Siba Nanda, nature lover Sangram Rout, Budi Area Revolution Committee secretary Gopinath Majhi and Mohammad Rauf also recalled the times and personality of Panda.
Siba Nanda and Gopinath Majhi were felicitated with the Prasanna Panda Award. Bargarh MP’s representative Raghunandan Panda presided over the meeting.