Bhubaneswar: Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal has decided not to hold the ‘At Home’ celebration on the occasion of Independence Day-2019 as a mark of respect and also being in solidarity with people affected by Cyclone Fani in the State.
Cyclone Fani that made landfall in Puri at a wind speed of about 200 kmph on May 3, has devastated as many as 20,367 villages in 14 coastal districts of Odisha. Besides, the cyclone affected 1.6 crore people and damaged 1.88 lakh hectares of agricultural land.
While a total of 5,56,761 houses have either been fully or severely or partially damaged in the cyclone at least 64 people lost their lives due to the disaster.
On the occasion of Independence Day and the Republic Day, the Governor hosts ‘At Home’ parties at the Raj Bhavan.
Dignitaries such as Chief Minister, High Court Chief Justice and judges, Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker, Central and State Administrative Tribunal Chairman and Members, prominent industrialists, social workers, chiefs of important NGOs, eminent persons in the fields of art, literature, music, sports, former Governors, CMs, Union Ministers and Ministers from Odisha, freedom fighters, Central and State civil, police, military, literature and sports awardees of Odisha, former Judges of Orissa HC, former Advocate Generals, retired IAS officers of the rank of Chief Secretary/Secretaries to Government of India, retired IPS officers of the rank of D.G. of Police and former Principal Chief Conservators of Forests, Odisha, accredited media persons, are invited to the party.
Senior State Government and Central Government officers stationed at Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are also invited.
Normally, an ‘At Home’ party continues for one hour in the afternoon. The party begins with the arrival of the Governor and the First Lady at the venue. As soon as they proceed to the venue, six buglers blow their bugles, and soon after their arrival, the national anthem is played. At the end of the party, the same procedure is followed.
During the party, the Governor goes round and meets the guests personally. Freedom fighters are felicitated on the occasion. All the guests are treated with high tea. A brief cultural programme is often staged on the occasion.
