Nabarangpur, Dec, 29: The local Shastri Bhavan, the birth anniversary of Former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and the district-level ‘Good Governance Day’ were celebrated. The event also included the prize distribution ceremony for the MP Sports Festival.
The main guest at the program was Honorable Lok Sabha MP Balabhadra Majhi, accompanied by Additional District Collector Tapan Kumar Khuntia as the chairperson of the session. Other distinguished guests included:
- Kunu Nayak, Chairperson of the Municipality
- Kunj Bihari Das, representative of the School & Mass Education Department
- Rameshwar Jena, MP Sports Coordinator
- Arjun Tripathy, Editor, District Sports Association
- Dr. Vijay Mishra, Retired Principal, as chief speaker
The program began with worship of Lord Ganesha and Lord Jagannath, followed by floral tributes to a photograph of late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. District Information & Public Relations Officer Manoj Kumar Behera welcomed the gathering and spoke about the significance of the birth anniversary and Good Governance Day, as well as the MP Sports Festival.
Students of music teacher Yugal Kishore Tripathy performed the opening song, “Bande Utkal Janani.” During the birth anniversary ceremony, the dignitaries shared their views on Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s life, patriotism, vision, political wisdom, and humane sensitivity, portraying him as a distinguished poet, proud, towering political figure, courageous, and selfless personality.
The program also encouraged sports participants to excel in the MP Sports Festival and motivated future generations to participate actively, promoting interest in sports at the district level.
The chief guest, Honorable MP, highlighted Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s ideals and also distributed prizes and certificates to winners of various sports events held across the 21 blocks of Nabarangpur parliamentary constituency. Competitions included football, volleyball, cricket, kabaddi, 900m and 200m races, long jump, both at team and individual levels, for boys and girls. 34 winners received trophies and certificates from the chief guest.
Cultural performances were organized by the District Culture Office, including groups from Satrik Kalakendra, Cleaner Sangh, and Sairam M Kalakendra. The program was conducted by the IPR Office with the support of District Information & Public Relations Department staff.