Bhubaneswar Celebrates 78th Foundation Day with Grand Events and Civic Pledge
The state capital of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, commemorated its 78th Foundation Day on Monday with a vibrant series of events and a resolute pledge to transform the city into a cleaner, greener, and safer urban center. The celebrations kicked off with an official state function inaugurated by Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy in the morning, held at the iconic Foundation Square along Mahatma Gandhi Marg, also known as PMG Square, which was beautifully illuminated for the occasion.
Dignitaries and Civic Participation Highlight Morning Ceremonies
Mayor Sulochana Das and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi joined Speaker Padhy at the event, which featured a civilian march past where the speaker, as chief guest, took the salute. Students from both private and government schools enthusiastically participated in the parade, showcasing community spirit. Officials, including Bhubaneswar Municipal Commissioner Chanchal Rana, corporators, legislators, and members of the Capital Foundation Day Celebration Committee, paid their respects at the foundation plaque, honoring the city's rich heritage.
In her address, Speaker Padhy emphasized the city's role as an education, sports, and tourism hub, urging further development across sectors. "On this occasion, let’s decide that Bhubaneswar develops further in other sectors as well. We want Bhubaneswar to be cleaner and greener, providing a safer environment for the scores of students who come here for higher and professional education," she stated. Mayor Das reflected on the city's journey, noting, "The 78-year-old capital has traversed a path witnessing several dimensions on the development front. We are celebrating the pride connected to our commitment to develop it into a world-class city in the future."
Afternoon and Evening Events Showcase Talent and Honor Achievements
Beyond the parade, the day featured impressive displays of sporting skills by the Daredevils group and the Odisha Skating Association, highlighting the city's vibrant athletic community. A photo exhibition organized by the Information and Public Relations Department at Jayadev Bhavan added a cultural touch, showcasing historical and contemporary aspects of Bhubaneswar.
In the evening, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati attended a special function as chief guest, where he conferred the Rajdhani Gourav Samman (Capital Pride Honour) on 13 individuals from diverse fields such as education, health, traffic management, industry, film and acting, administration, social work, sports, and cleanliness. This award ceremony recognized outstanding contributions to the city's growth. The event was complemented by a colorful cultural program presented by the Department of Culture, adding festivity to the celebrations.
Historical Context and Modern Achievements of Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar's modern planning traces back to 1948, when German planner Otto Koenigsberger designed the city. Over the decades, it has evolved from a well-planned urban area to earning the tag of India's number one smart city in 2016, following a rigorous evaluation by the central government that assessed 98 competing cities. Today, Bhubaneswar stands as an ideal hub for tourism, health, and education, continually striving for excellence in urban development and quality of life for its residents.
