Odisha CM unfurls tricolour, pays tribute to COVID warriors on I-Day

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unfurled the tricolour during the state-level celebration of 74th Independence Day held at Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar.

He greeted the people of Odisha and paid tribute to freedom fighters who have sacrificed their lives in freedom movements.

For the first time, the Flag hoisting ceremony was held sans public. CM Patnaik addressed the State in presence of COVID warriors – the special guests – on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day.

Speaking at the occasion, Patnaik expressed his gratitude to Corona warriors for their significant role in fight against COVID-19 in the State.

“I am grateful to COVID warriors for their dedication and service in battle against Coronavirus that has caused extensive loss to human society. India has been fighting COVID-19 in the past 5 months. I pay my tribute to COVID warriors martyred in the battle.

On current COVID crisis he said, “Not only for India, Coronavirus has posed as the biggest threat to entire human race. It has put deep effect on education, health, economy, tourism, transport as well as the human society. Billions of people are losing their livelihoods due to the pandemic. But, we have to work bravely to recover the loss incurred due to the virus.”

“However, Odisha is among top states in higher recovery rate and lower death rate due to dedication of Corona warriors,” Patnaik said in his address adding “Odisha Government has set up dedicated COVID hospitals and no COVID-19 patient will be deprived of availing treatment as each life is precious to us.”

He said that the State is facing the pandemic crisis and taking initiatives to save lives as well as livelihoods of people.

“The agriculture activities and employment generation work are continuing during the period of lockdown in the State. The financial assistance is being provided to the poor and labourers. During the period, we have received the investment proposal of Rs 12,000 crore. Odisha got 18% out of total investment made in the country and becomes No.1 followed by Maharashtra in investment in the country,” the CM said.