Bhubaneswar, 02 October (H.S.): Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy on Friday paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries at a programme held on the premises of the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the unparalleled sacrifice, morality and dedicated service to the nation of the two great leaders would continue to inspire every Indian.

The Chief Minister said Mahatma Gandhi not only played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle but also gave the world a new direction through the principles of morality, Satyagraha and non-cooperation.

He said Gandhi’s vision centred on serving the last person in society, maintaining cleanliness and promoting the use of indigenous products. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these ideals are being translated into action, he said.

Majhi said cleanliness has evolved into a people’s movement across the country, while the spirit of Swadeshi is contributing to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. He also highlighted the role of Antyodaya schemes in empowering the poor and taking development to the last person in society.

Paying tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastri, the Chief Minister said his simple lifestyle, high ideals and honesty remain an exemplary model for society. Shastri’s selfless service to the nation and his inspiring call of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” infused a new sense of enthusiasm and strength among Indians, he said.

Majhi said the state government would continue its efforts to build a prosperous Odisha and a developed India by drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of truth and non-violence and Lal Bahadur Shastri’s commitment to duty and national service.

A Sarva Dharma prayer meeting and a rendition of Gandhi’s favourite bhajan, ‘Ram Dhun’, were organised by the Information and Public Relations Department as part of the observance.

Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Works, Law and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling, Chief Whip Saroj Kumar Pradhan, legislators and other senior leaders attended the prayer meeting along with the Governor, Chief Minister and Assembly Speaker.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda