Berhampur, Nov 19: In a moment that resonated with national pride and patriotism, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Berhampur, inaugurated a monumental 108-ft national flagpole on its campus. The inauguration ceremony, held at the Berhampur campus, was graced by Prof. Ashok Kumar Ganguli, Director of IISER, along with Prashant Kumar Hota, President & Group Head (CSR & Education) of Jindal Steel; Maj Gen Ashim Kohli (Retd), CEO of the Flag Foundation of India; and Pradeep Kumar Ray, Registrar, IISER Berhampur.
The highlight of the occasion was the unfurling of a grand 36 ft by 24 ft national flag atop the towering flagpole, infusing the event with a surge of patriotic fervor. Hundreds of students, faculty, and staff joined in the celebrations, marking the historic moment with enthusiasm and pride.
IISER Berhampur is now the first among the seven IISERs across India to display a monumental national flag on its campus, setting a new precedent for academic institutions in the country.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Ganguli expressed immense pride in the installation of the monumental flag, calling it a symbol of the institute’s commitment to nurturing future leaders. "The installation of the monumental national flag at IISER Berhampur is a moment of profound pride for our institution. Its presence on our campus will serve as a powerful source of inspiration for our students, researchers, and faculty, reminding us of our collective responsibility to contribute meaningfully to India’s progress," he said. He also extended his gratitude to Naveen Jindal, MP (Lok Sabha), and the Flag Foundation of India for their instrumental role in making the installation possible.
Naveen Jindal, President of the Flag Foundation of India, lauded IISER Berhampur’s contributions to scientific research and emphasized the importance of the Tricolour in motivating the students. "The Tiranga on this campus will inspire students every day to contribute to nation-building and improve the quality of life of citizens through their scientific breakthroughs," Jindal remarked.
Prashant Kumar Hota, President and Group Head of CSR & Education at Jindal Steel, took a moment to highlight Naveen Jindal's pioneering efforts in securing the right for every Indian citizen to fly the national flag with dignity. “Naveen Jindal’s remarkable 10-year legal battle, which began when he was just 24, culminated in a historic victory that ensured every Indian has the right to display the national flag with dignity and respect. His journey is a testament to how courage and perseverance can bring about meaningful change for the nation,” Hota said.
Maj Gen Ashim Kohli (Retd), CEO of the Flag Foundation of India, noted the deep symbolic value of the national flag. "The national flag represents our collective spirit and unity. It is a source of pride for every Indian, and we are honored to support this initiative. The sight of the Tricolour soaring high will inspire generations of students to serve the nation with dedication," Kohli added.
The event was meticulously coordinated by Jagannath Patro, Superintendent Engineer, Er. Sanjay Majhi, Senior Executive Engineer, along with other senior officials from IISER Berhampur. As the Tricolour waved proudly atop the 108-ft flagpole, the campus erupted with applause and cheers, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the institution’s history.
The installation of the monumental national flag is not just a physical structure but a symbol of unity, pride, and the collective responsibility of every citizen in contributing to the nation’s progress.
