A colourful cultural programme reflecting the rich culture and tradition of Odisha marked the Odisha Divas celebrations organised by SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) at Civic Centre on 1st April, 2025. Mr. Alok Verma, Director-In-Charge (DIC), RSP graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and inaugurated the grand programme. Mrs. Namrata Verma, President, Deepika Mahila Sanghati, Mr. Tarun Misra, ED (HR), Mr. Biswaranjan Palai, ED (Works), Mr. Anil Kumar, ED (MM), Mr. M P Singh, ED (Mines), Mr.Sudip Pal Chowdhury (Projects), Mrs. Pravati Misra, Mrs. Bandana Singh, Mrs. Ritarani and Mrs. Nabanita Palchowdhury, all Vice Presidents of Deepika Mahila Sanghati, many Chief General Managers, Senior Officers, representatives of Trade Unions and Executive Association, office bearers of DMS were present on the occasion. The dignitaries offered floral tributes to the portraits of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das and Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das and lighted the ceremonial lamp. The programme began with the soulful rendering of the Utkal Bandana by the artists led by renowned vocalist Mrs. Ashalata Sarangi.
The DIC in his address paid rich tributes to all the great leaders of Odisha who fought selflessly for the amalgamation of Odia tracts and the formation of swatantra Odisha Pradesh. Extending greetings of Utkal Divas to everyone, the DIC said, “Being the first major industry of the state, RSP has been fulfilling its commitment like a responsible child towards the state contributing immensely for the prosperity, development and progress of the state for over six decades. As RSP is gearing up for the next expansion to double its capacity, it’ll bring new era of progress and prosperity in the future as well.”
A scintillating Odissi Dance performance depicting the cultural diversity of Odisha by the artists of Nrutya Madhuram, Talks on Odisha Diwas by two students of Ispat Vidyamandir, a spellbinding dance ‘Mo Odisha’ by the artists from Music Circle and mesmerizing Odia Palla by Mrs. Sujata Swain and her troupe were the highlights of the evening. Mr. Anil Mallick, MOMT, SSM anchored the show.
