76th Republic Day Celebrated with Grandeur in Rayagada District
Rayagada, January 27, 2025: The 76th Republic Day was celebrated with grandeur at the district level in Rayagada under the auspices of the district administration. The event took place at Govind Chandra Deb High School, where Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling attended as the chief guest. The minister ceremonially hoisted the national flag at 8:30 AM, addressed the gathering, and participated in the collective parade. The occasion was graced by the presence of District Collector Mrs. Parul Patwari and District Superintendent of Police Swati S. Kumar, among other dignitaries.
In his address, Dr. Mahaling emphasized the significance of the Indian Constitution, describing it as a source of faith and unity for all citizens in the world’s largest democracy. He highlighted the invaluable sacrifices made by freedom fighters in securing independence and urged citizens to work collectively towards the progress of the country, state, and district. He remarked that India’s transformation into a democratic republic on January 26, 1950, was a historic milestone, embodying values of political independence, social justice, and human rights.
The district-level Republic Day celebrations witnessed enthusiastic participation, with 34 troops showcasing a grand parade at GCD Ground. Students from various educational institutions presented vibrant cultural programs, coordinated under the leadership of Reserve Inspector Kabibar Dehuri.
Individuals who brought pride to Rayagada district through their accomplishments in various fields were honored during the event. Notable awardees included:
Sports Achievements:
Magai Majhi (Kho Kho World Cup)
Shriyanshu Maharana and Rachit Sahu (National Kickboxing)
Deepasuni Khura and Bikash Kumar Reddy (Senior National Sepak Takraw)
Binayak Sahu (Senior National Basketball)
Sundar Samal (Senior National Powerlifting)
Dambaru Shabar and Gautam Wadaka (Athletics)
Awards were also presented to participants of the annual NCC camp held in New Delhi, including Hussein Sahu (All India Territorial Army Camp), Nitish Mandangi (68th National Kabaddi Sports 2024-25), and Bipin Majhi, who won a silver medal in the Odisha State Para Athletics 400-meter event.
Additionally, various departments were recognized for their contributions to public awareness campaigns, including the Rayagada project administration, forest department, health department, and regional transport department.
Schools and colleges that excelled in Republic Day processions were awarded:
School Level Procession:
1st Place: Swami Vivekananda Vidya Mandir, Rayagada
2nd Place: Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir, Gayatri Nagar
3rd Place: RSEWC Higher Secondary School, Rayagada
NCC Procession:
Senior Category:
1st Place: Government Girls Higher Secondary School
2nd Place: Rayagada Autonomous College
Junior Category:
1st Place: Government Girls Higher Secondary School
2nd Place: Army Wing Sacred Heart School (Girls)
As part of the Republic Day celebrations, the District Hospital, District Jail, and local service organizations distributed fruits and sweets to senior citizens at the Senior Citizen Home under the Municipal Council’s initiative.
Inaugurating a new medical services building at the District Main Hospital and Kolanara, the chief guest emphasized the government’s commitment to improving healthcare facilities in the region.
The celebrations were attended by several senior officials, including Additional District Collector Nihar Ranjan, Chief Development Officer and Executive Officer Akshay Kumar Khemuntu, Sub-Collector Kalyani Sanghamitra Devi, Additional SP Vishnu Prasad Patra, and SDPO Rashmiranjan Senapati. The Information and Public Relations Department, under the leadership of Deputy Director and District Information and Public Relations Officer Basant Kumar, successfully managed the event, with a special Ramdhun promotion conducted at 5 AM.
The 76th Republic Day celebration in Rayagada reflected a deep sense of patriotism and unity, reaffirming the commitment of citizens and officials to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution.
By
Chandra Bhanu Singh
Bureau chief Southern Odisha
