Bhubaneswar, Jan 23: The state-level birth anniversaries of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and legendary freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai were observed on Friday with solemn tributes and a wreath-laying ceremony organized by the Department of Information and Public Relations.

Floral tributes were offered at the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Rasulgarh Square and at the statue of Veer Surendra Sai at VSS Nagar, in an atmosphere marked by reverence, dignity, and patriotism.

The event saw the participation of Director of the Department of Information and Public Relations Anuj Kumar Das Pattanaik, Deputy Director Sucheta Priyadarshini, senior political leaders, departmental officers, President of the Acharya Vihar Parishad Bhagabata Das, residents of VSS Nagar, intellectuals, representatives of various social organizations, students, and patriotic citizens, all paying homage through wreath offerings.

Speakers at the event highlighted Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s resolute leadership and his ‘Azad Hind’ movement, which gave a new dimension to India’s struggle for independence through armed resistance. They also praised Veer Surendra Sai’s prolonged and fearless fight against British rule, which inspired the spirit of freedom across Odisha.

The gathering underlined the importance of upholding and passing on the values of patriotism, sacrifice, and national pride to future generations.