The Rajiv Gandhi Talent Award ceremony was held on the occasion of the 26th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi here on Sunday.
The ceremony organised jointly by the Odisha Rajiv Gandhi Student’s Forum and the Rajiv Gandhi Study Circle was presided over by form president Satyabrata Nayak.
Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Prasad Harichandan, AICC secretary and former MP Dr Ram Chandra Khuntia, former PCC chief Niranjan Patnaik, former administrator Suresh Mantri and PCC secretary Dr Pabitra Mohan Samantaray gracing as guests commemorated Gandhi’s contribution and vision for development of the country.
While Harichandan said Rajiv had dreamt of building India a world power and his contribution for development in education, science and Panchayati Raj sectors incomparable, Khuntia opined that people would continue to remember Gandhi’s efforts in making India self-reliant in Information and Technology sector in coming years.
Patnaik called upon students and youths to follow the path of Gandhi and consistently work for the development of the country and the State.
As many as 94 students, both boys and girls, and teachers having talents in NCC, Scouts and Guieds, NSS, athletes, Youth Red Cross, science, Odissi, folk dance, songs, flute plying and drawing were felicitated with the State level Rajiv Gandhi Talent Awards on the occasion.
While forum secretary Padamakar Guru delivered the welcome address, Priyabrata Nayak, Ajay Paikaray, Sukumar Gourav, Bipin Rout, Sai Mohan and Mantu Mallick, among others, coordinated the programme.