Kalahandi, YNN (Rajat Bansal): The Pragati Patha Mahotsav was held at Pragati Institutions to mark the second death anniversary of its founder and esteemed educationist, Late Banamali Panda. The occasion was graced by several dignitaries, including Kalahandi MP Malvika Devi, who unveiled statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Utkalmani Gopbandhu Das on the campus. She also officially inaugurated the Patha Mahotsav.
The chief guest, Jayanta Behera, former president of Mahabir Sanskrutik Anusthan, was joined by guests of honour, Ajay Mishra (retired principal of Government College Bhawanipatna) and noted poets Durga Prasad Panda, among others. Distinguished attendees included Er. Ajay Kumar Panda, Head of Pragati Institutions, Chairperson Sushree Sangeeta Panda, along with several other prominent personalities such as Pranab Kumar Panda, Bijay Kumar Panda, and Prabhas Chandra Mishra.
The event commenced with floral tributes to Late Banamali Panda. Retired teachers and colleagues of the late founder, Satya Narayan Patra and Radhamohan Das, were also honoured. This year’s prestigious Banamali Panda Education Award was presented to President’s Award-winning science teacher Santosh Kumar Kar. The Banamali Panda Social Service Award was given to the Bhubaneswar Behera Memorial Youth Organisation, while the Banamali Panda Literary Award was awarded to poet and retired teacher Bipin Bihari Bishi. Fashion designer Sujit Meher received the Banamali Panda Youth Talent Award. In addition, long-serving staff members of Pragati Institutions were recognised with the Banamali Panda Memorial Award.
Following this, a poetry reading session titled ‘Poetry on Nature’ took place, with renowned poets such as Pramod Kumar Khamari, Swarnakanti Baikar, and Rajat Bansal, amongst others, presenting their works. The session was moderated by Jaydrath Suna and Punydeepa Khamari.
Various student competitions, including yoga, taekwondo, painting, dance, poetry recitation, and sports such as badminton, volleyball, chess, and carrom, were organised. A food stall, prepared by students, also became a key attraction.
The event concluded with Ajay Panda, Head of Pragati Institutions, expressing his gratitude to all participants and guests. A vote of thanks was delivered by Manas Ranjan Panda.
