Bhubaneswar, Jan. 27: Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the 75th Republic Day on Friday with the Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Amit Banerjee unfurling the national flag and urging the students to contribute to the process of nation building.
“The citizens of India, particularly the youth, have a vital role to play in this process and you have the power to shape it,” Prof. (Dr.) Banerjee said after inspecting the parade and taking the customary salute.
Pointing out that nation building was not a one-time event, he said it was not the sole responsibility of the government but the collective duty of all citizens. “It is not a burden but a privilege,” he said.
Prof. (Dr.) Banerjee said there was reason to be proud of India’s achievements and aspirations in various fields such as education, healthcare, economy, infrastructure, technology, social justice and culture. India has emerged as one of the fastest growing and most influential countries in the world with a vibrant democracy and a diverse society, he said adding “let us resolve to respect and protect the unity and diversity of our nation.”
Prof. Pradipta Kumar Nanda, Vice-Chancellor of SOA, Deans of different institutions, Directors, students and officials were present at the ceremony held at the university’s stadium.
Students of different institutions under SOA, a contingent each of NCC and NSS volunteers, Institute of Higher Secondary Education, a Plus Two science college under SOA and security wings participated in the parade. The contingent of Plus Two science college, the Institute of Business and Computer Studies (IBCS) and the NSS were awarded the first, second and third prize in the parade respectively.
Mr. Ranbir Singh, Senior Under Officer of NCC, who commanded the parade and Mr. Putta Siddharth, Junior Under Officer, were felicitated on the occasion by the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor. The program ended with a colourful cultural extravaganza featuring students.
Prof. (Dr.) Banerjee also addressed the students of other countries studying in SOA who had made India their home away from home. “You can make precious contribution towards creation of global citizens by enriching the academic and cultural diversity of the campuses, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between India and your own countries,” he said.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nanda unfurled the tricolor at the university office where he spoke about India’s achievements during the past year including the success of the Chandrayan venture and progress made towards making the country digital. SOA was making immense contribution to the state by expanding healthcare facilities, he said while referring to inauguration of the second campus of IMS and SUM Hospital at Phulnakhara recently.
A third campus of the hospital would be inaugurated at Sitalapalli in Ganjam district soon, he said.
SOA’ Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Sitikantha Mishra, Director of University Outreach Program Prof. Nachieketa Sharma and Joint Registrars Mr. Bhisma Charan Das and Mr. Sasanka Mishra were present.