The 73rd Independence Day was celebrated with much fervour and gaiety at the Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) with hoisting of the Tricolour by Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) BN Shukla at Anand Vihar Grounds here on Thursday.
Shukla, after hoisting the Tricolour, inspected the parade and took salute of marching contingents of the MCL security, NCC, Scouts and Guides and schools of Sambalpur.
He emphasised on the values of unity among the citizens of the country.
“Keeping our culture, civilisation and solidarity intact, we can wave our glory in the world” the CMD said, reiterating contribution of the company in energy security of the nation.
Jagriti Mahila Mandal President Manjula Shukla along with vice-presidents Naushina Afrin Ali, Padamja Singh and Padmini Vasudevan and Madhoo Mishra presented awards to the best marching contingents and the winners of cultural programme.
The Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Goshala won the first prize in the category of NCC marching contingent, while Scouts of Government Boys’ High School, Burla and Guides of MCL DAV Public School, Burla won first prizes in their category.
Among others, IRPF CVO Munawar Khursheed, Director (Technical/ Operations) OP Singh and Director (Finance/Personnel) KR Vasudevan were present.