A politically conscious youth caused quite a flutter of substance when he sought to highlight the issue of giving due dignity to freedom fighters at the ‘At Home’ programme at the Raj Bhavan premises here on the Republic Day on Sunday.
Prasant Kumar Paikray, who hails from Mayurbhanj district, walked up to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to draw his attention to the seating arrangement for the invited freedom fighters. Routray pointed out that the freedom fighters were seated in ordinary plastic chairs whereas the bureaucrats were accommodated in cushioned chairs.
When the Chief Minister wanted to know who Paikray was, the latter said he was a fan of his, for which he sought to bring to his notice the matter of according dignity to the freedom fighters on such an occasion of national importance.
A seemingly appreciating Chief Minister indicated to Routray to draw Governor SC Jamir’s attention to the fact. As the youth was approaching the Governor, the Raj Bhavan security men intervened.
Then, at the instance of the Chief Minister, Secretary to Governor, Parag Gupta, appeared on the scene and had words with Paikray. Gupta welcomed the youth to his office for talks on the matter any day later.
Paikray told reporters that he was satisfied that the Chief Minister apparently realised what he was arguing in favour of showing due respect to those for whose sacrifices the country achieved its freedom.