Bhubaneswar: Unlike usual fanfare, the 71st Capital Foundation Day celebration this year was a low-key affair due to the implementation of model code of conduct (MCC) of the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
It was on April 13, 1948 that first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had laid the foundation stone of the city. World renowned German architect and urban planner Otto Koenigsberger prepared the city’s first master plan in 1948 for a population of 40,000.
The celebration, which had witnessed a civil parade, cultural programme, prize distribution ceremony, this time confined with people from different walks of life and office bearers of the Capital Foundation Day Celebration Committee and some Government officials visiting the capital foundation stone in front of the State Assembly on Friday morning.
Governor Ganeshi Lal, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wished the denizens of the capital city on the special occasion.
“The state capital has been built on rich tradition and heritage. The place is the conflux of tradition and progress,” said the Governor.
He asked Bhubaneswar people to make the state capital a clean, beautiful and prosperous.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took to wish the people, “I convey my good wishes and greetings to the people of Bhubaneswar on the city’s foundation day. This culturally rich city of temples has enhanced Odisha’s pride and glory for ages.”
