Though the JEE Examination was held on Sunday morning, the 12th Raahgiri spurred thousands to participate in the programmes.
Health apart, nature, mental health awareness and autism were in focus at the event. While the World Autism Awareness Day was observed on April 2, the State Government promoted activities of autistic children to prove that they are not different from normal children. Experts also explained people on autism and how to manage an autistic kid on the occasion.
'Dedi luku,' a character representing 'tree man' in Kui language also interacted with crowd and people took selfies with the character to spread awareness on trees, depleting green cover and encourage afforestation in the urban environment. City-based Nirmala Kruti Bikas Trust (NKBT) came up with Rangoli and 3-D art forms to create better awareness on smoking and how it affects health. They discussed problem of cleft lip and how it can be corrected through simple surgeries. Call for social service also got primacy as blood donation was encouraged and last but not the least, a nice art work on Nobel prize winner saint Mother Teresa, epitome of self-less service, was displayed.
Youths also took out an educative procession mimicking a dead person due to smoking. Two city based psychiatrists Dr Pranab Mahapatra and Dr Sudipta Das attracted people's attention towards their activity zone by explaining various forms of mental illness and how to prevent them.
Citing examples from everyday life, Dr Mahapatra said. “Whether it is television actresses, farmers or fans of Indian national cricket team, suicidal tendencies are to be treated by psychiatrists and the families must be aware on this.''
Singers from the Ama Kalakara Paribara mesmerised the audience with their performance. During the inauguration MP Prasanna Patsani, Tourism and Culture
Minister Ashok Chandra Panda, MlA Priyadarshi Mishra, Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena, BMC Commissioner and BDA Vice-Chairman Krishan Kumar were present.