A five-member German team led by head of division, South Asia (India) from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development Dr Wolfram Klein on Sunday visited the 19th Raahgiri here and expressed their happiness over such a huge street-based people’s event promoting non-motorised transport (NMT).
The team was given a warm welcome with a police band providing an exclusive company by leading the team across 1.5 km stretch on Janpath. Senior Government officials informed that the German team would provide assistance in transport, road infrastructure and cycle tracks in the Smart City plan.
Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena spoke about sustainable development and stressed on a Green Bhubaneswar by keeping the plant and animal biodiversity in a perfect balance.
Director General of Odisha Police Kunwar Brajesh Singh and internationally acclaimed sand artist Padmashri Sudarshan Pattanaik were present as guests.
The event also took the theme from the International Day of Biodiversity which is celebrated on May 22. Police Commissioner YB Khurania, DCP Satyabrat Bhoi and Deputy Mayor K Santi were present, among others.
For the first time, three bands from Odisha Police were engaged to provide their service by entertaining the crowd. They also opened a kiosk in front of the Kharvel Nagar Police Station where people gathered to listen to old Odia and Hindi songs through the music provided by the band.
City-based social service organisation, the Bakul, gave away plants to the delegates and guests on the stage as a token of love to celebrate the International Day for Biodiversity. A biodiversity quiz competition was also organised by the Bakul during the Raahgiri which attracted many visitors, especially small children.
The Women in Society Help (WISH) members organised a unique corner where they created awareness among youths to respect the old parents. The People’s Cultural Centre, the Art Ya Craft awareness camp and campaign by the East Coast Railways, the Swabhiman, the Apex Care, health check-up centres, cycle stunts and cultural shows by kids from the Rhythm Dance Academy were major attractions.
The Odisha Skating Academy organised a cricket match by small kids.