The 75th birthday of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and distribution of Rajiv Gandhi Pratibha Puraskar were celebrated here on Tuesday.
The programme organised jointly by the Odisha Rajiv Gandhi Chhatra Forum and the Rajiv Gandhi Study Circle was presided over by forum president Satyabrata Nayak. Congress Working Committee member and former MP Dr Rama Chandra Khuntia inaugurated the ceremonies.
Gracing as chief guest, KIIS University Vice-Chancellor Prof Harekrushna Satpathy said Gandhi was the father of IT revolution in the country and epitome of peace, friendship and brotherhood.
Khuntia said Gandhi’s dream of bringing development in education and empowering youth mass is being translated into reality gradually. He stressed on the proper employment of youth mass in the country.
Among others, Jatni MLA Suresh Kumar Routray, noted freedom fighter Bhabani Charan Patnajik, ‘Samaja’ chief coordinator Suresh Kumar Mantri, AICC secretary Rudra Raju, Kantabanji MLA Santosh Kumar Saluja, ‘Paryabekshak’ editor Pabitra Mohan Samantray remembered Gandhi’s contribution for unit and integrity of the country.
On the occasion, 73 youths and students were awarded with the Rajiv Gandhi Pratibha Puraskar for their performance in the NCC, NSS, Scouts and Guides, Youth Red Corss, science, literature, songs, Odishi, painting, sports and acting sectors.
Similarly, 10 teachers and lecturers were hououred with the Rajiv Gandhi Siksha Samman-2019 for their achievements as NSS Programme Officer, Scouts and Guides Team Leader and Youth Red Cross Councilors.
Among others, Priyabrata Nayak, Kamalakanta, Bhagyashree, Sagar Parida and Anil Chhual Singh coordinated the event, which was concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by forum general secretary Padmakar Guru.