Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) observed the 77th Republic Day of India amidst patriotic fervour. More than 2000 students and employees of RSP took part in the celebrations organised at Ispat Stadium that was witnessed by thousands of Rourkelites.
Mr. Alok Verma, Director In-Charge, RSP graced the occasion as the Chief Guest unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took the salute at an impressive march past to the tune of Gyan Jyoti Public School Band by 61 contingents. Scouts, Guides, Combat and Civilian troupes from various educational institutions of the City, troupes from CISF including RSP’s Fire Services, Nurses Training Institute and SAIL Hockey Academy added colour to the splendid march past. The team of students of Delhi Public School presented the national anthem. Mr. Ratan Kumar, DIG, CISF was present on the dais.
In his Republic Day address, the Director In-Charge said that the spirit of patriotism resonated across the Steel City on the occasion. He highlighted the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’, the iconic composition that inspired India’s freedom struggle, and underscored Odisha’s pioneering role in the movement including the historic Paika Rebellion of 1817, martyrs like Veer Baji Rout, as well as the legendary freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai.
Quoting the inspiring words of Odisha’s legendary freedom fighter, Ramadevi, that “Freedom is meaningful only when women stand equal to men,” the DIC highlighted that the Rourkela Half Marathon witnessed a remarkable participation of women, accounting for nearly 30% of the runners.
The DIC congratulated each and every employee of RSP and all other stakeholders for the outstanding achievements in calendar year 2025 which saw strings of records, new benchmarks and newer products enriching the product basket.
“Viksit Bharat – 2047 is the shared dream and responsibility of all 140 crore Indians. From this land of Rourkela, where steel is made to strengthen the Nation, let us give our absolute best through our energy, innovation, and integrity, so that our country touches the pinnacle of self-reliance,” the DIC added.
The DIC also presented Ati utkrishtha and Utkrishtha awards to CISF Personnel, Jawahar Awards, RSP Gaurab Awards, and the best performing contingents award on this occasion.
A similar function was held at Sector-22 Mini Stadium, in which Mr. Verma unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took the salute at the colourful march past presented by 36 contingents. He also presented awards to the best contingents of the Republic Day parade. The DIC also declared a special award of Rs. 10,000/- each to Junior Boys Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir, Kainthabasa and Girls team of Birsa Munda Adarsha High School for their beautiful March past. The Band platoon of SSRV Ispat English Medium School, Sector- 22 presented the band on this occasion.
Present on the occasions were Mrs. Namrata Verma, President (Deepika Mahila Sanghati), Mr. B K Giri, ED (MD-CMLO), Mr. Biswaranjan Palai, ED (Works), Mr. Anil Kumar, ED (MM), Mr. M P Singh, ED (Mines), Mr. Sudip Pal Chowdhury ED (Projects), Mrs. Smita Giri, Dr. (Mrs.) Pratigna Palai, Mrs. Reeta Rani, Mrs. Bandana Singh, Mrs. Navaneeta Pal Chowdhury, all Vice President of Deepika Mahila Sanghati and other senior officers of RSP and a large number of spectators. The programmes were organised by the Social Welfare wing of RSP in association with other departments of RSP.
A similar function was organized by Deepika Mahila Sanghati at Deepika Jagriti Sansthan, Sector-2 to celebrate Republic Day. Mrs. Namrata Verma hoisted the National Flag in the presence of the Vice Presidents, and office bearers of the Sanghati.
