Despite scorching heat, more than 45,000 people joined the 18th Raahgiri celebrating the ethos of joint family as it coincided with the International Day of Families with theme ‘Families, healthy lives and sustainable future.’
Police Commissioner YB Khurania, Olywood actress Anu Chaudhury, MP Prasanna Kumar Patasani, MlA Priyadarshi Mishra, Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena, Deputy Mayor K Shanti and DCP Satyabrata Bhoi were present as the guests in the inaugural ceremony.
Patasani emphasised on the core principles of Indian family ethos and expected that the youths would attach immense importance to it. He spoke about the greatness of the traditional joint families and how they helped build a strong family bond.
Addressing the gathering, Police Commissioner Khurania said that the security and safety of families are of key importance in a Smart City like Bhubaneswar and urged that the city dwellers must maintain utmost vigilance to live peacefully.
BMC Mayor Jena termed Raahgiri as a big family event and narrated how the celebration had created a big family in the city.
The People’s Cultural Centre (Pecuc) celebrated the International Day of Families by organising an event in which couples participated. Some of them were felicitated. The members of Pecuc also spoke about the values of joint families and how to maintain them for productive lives. They also organised a children’s corner.
To mark the event, Commisionerate Police launched a Red Cross awareness drive that was graced by the dignitaries.
In the cultural segment, a spectacular performance by Girish Dance Academy enthralled the audience.
Members of the Women in Society Help (WISH) participated under the leadership of their chairperson Anusruta Singh Deo. Other organisations like the Ama Kalakar Parivaar, the Art Ya Craft and the Rhythm Dance Academy joined.
Well-known psychiatrist Dr Pranab Mohapatra in his weekly mental health corner put up a theme-based display on depression as it has become a common trend in modern life.