Bhubaneswar, (Orissa Today) Aug 15 : Sports and Youth Services Department of Government of Odisha celebrated the 78th Independence Day with great fervour at Bhubaneswar’s iconic Kalinga Stadium today. Principal Secretary Bhaskar Sarma set the celebrations rolling with the hoisting of the tricolour, which was followed by a parade and cultural show.
After hoisting the tricolour, Shri Sarma addressed the gathering emphasizing on the struggle for independence and its importance while also charting out the role of youth in nation-building. He also highlighted the commitment of the Sports and Youth Services Department and Government of Odisha towards the promotion of sports and welfare of the youth in the state.
Director, Sports and Youth Services Department. Siddharth Das, CEO, Hockey Promotional Council of Odisha Deepankar Mohapatra and officials and athletes of the Department attended the event.
Winners of the Rangoli, Painting and musical chair competitions conducted by the Department over the last two days were also felicitated at the event. Principal Secretary Shri Sarma awarded the trophies and certificates to the prize winners.
A parade and cultural show also featured in this celebration. Six contingents participated in the march past including students from the sports hostels, high-performance centres and Government College of Physical Education, Bhubaneswar. The contingent from the Government College of Physical Education, Bhubaneswar emerged winners.
Students from the Sports Hostel performed a traditional dance as a part of the cultural show. Yoga coach Chandrakanta Barik and his team of six delivered a spectacular acrobatics yoga performance that spellbound the audience.
