Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan arrived in Odisha on Thursday as part of his official visit to the state, landing at Bhubaneswar airport around 25 minutes ahead of schedule before proceeding directly to Cuttack.
Upon arrival, the Vice President was received with full state honours by Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, and other senior officials. A formal Guard of Honour was accorded at the airport, reflecting the ceremonial importance of the visit.
Parakram Diwas Observances in Cuttack
From the airport, Vice President Radhakrishnan travelled straight to Cuttack to attend programmes marking the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, observed nationwide as Parakram Diwas. The visit formed part of national commemorations honouring Netaji’s legacy of courage, patriotism and sacrifice for India’s freedom.
Accompanied by the Governor and the Chief Minister, the Vice President paid floral tributes at the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and visited the Netaji Museum in Cuttack, a key heritage site dedicated to preserving the life, struggle and contributions of the iconic freedom fighter.
In view of the high-profile visit and security protocols, the Netaji Memorial remained closed to the general public from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the day.
Inauguration of District Culture Bhawan
During his Cuttack visit, Vice President Radhakrishnan also inaugurated the District Culture Bhawan, a significant cultural infrastructure initiative aimed at promoting local art, heritage, and cultural activities. The inauguration reflects the state government’s broader focus on strengthening cultural institutions and preserving Odisha’s rich historical identity.
Tight Security Arrangements Across Twin City
Following the Cuttack engagements, the Vice President travelled to Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar for an official luncheon. Elaborate multi-layered security arrangements were implemented across the Twin City region of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to ensure smooth movement and public safety throughout the visit.
Senior officials from the police, administration, and intelligence agencies coordinated traffic management, route security, and crowd control as part of the high-level protocol arrangements.
Departure for Kolkata
As per the official itinerary, Vice President Radhakrishnan is scheduled to depart for Kolkata at 2:15 p.m. from Bhubaneswar airport, concluding his Odisha visit after the Parakram Diwas engagements.
Call to Declare Netaji’s Birthplace a National Heritage Site
Meanwhile, Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous termed the occasion a matter of pride for Odisha, noting that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was born at Odia Bazaar in Cuttack. She urged that his birthplace be officially declared a national heritage site, stating that such recognition would preserve its historical importance and strengthen national remembrance of Netaji’s legacy.
The Vice President’s visit, marked by tributes, cultural initiatives, and national commemorations, reinforced Odisha’s historic connection to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and highlighted the state’s role in preserving India’s freedom movement heritage.
