: The Paradip-based Eastern India Oil Refinery Workers’ Union (EIORWU) celebrated the World Labour Day on May 1 here.
A sweeping programme and tree plantation were conducted in the morning. Later, a statue of Biju Patnaik at Atharbanki was garlanded and fruits were distributed among the patients in the nearby Government hospitals. Besides, foods were provided to the inmates of Santoshi Jarashram at Balijhara.
A public meeting was held in the premises of the union office at Zero Point, presided over by union president Santosh Kumar Patnaik. Metro TV secretary Pramod Kumar Samanthray attended as the chief guest, while Member of National Human Rights Commission, Manoj Kumar Jena joined as chief speaker. The guests of honour were Paaridarshaka Editor Baba Lalatendu Keshari, retired headmaster Manoranjan Das, Gana Adhikar editor Chitta Swain and social activist Bikram Mohanty.
The guests discussed the significance of the International Labour Day and the need for trade unions to counter the exploitation of workers. President Patnaik in his speech recalled the memory of Statesman Biju Patnaik and said that due to the vision of Biju Patnaik, Paradip Port was established and due to the establishment of port-based factories, Paradip has become a best place for employment today.
Under the strong leadership of CM Naveen Patnaik, local young women have become self-employed. So, due to Biju Patnaik and Naveen Patnaik, today Paradip has become a prosperous industrial area, he said. Niranjan Samal gave a vote of thanks.