Odisha CM plants 'Freedom' trees on Gandhi Jayanti to send message of peace, non-violence | Pics
India Today
Marking the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik planted 'Freedom' trees to send a message of peace, non-violence and brotherhood in society.
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik planted a peepal tree on the premises of Lok Seva Bhawan and coined the term ‘Freedom Tree’ for it.
Speaking on the occasion, Patnaik said the peepal tree signifies knowledge, enlightenment, happiness and auspiciousness.
He said, "For ages, the peepal tree has continued to represent the collective conscience of a pan-Indian cultural heritage. From the ancient Indus Valley civilization to the sacred pages of Bhagwat Geeta to the enlightenment of Lord Budhha, the peepal tree has been an inseparable part of our socio-cultural life. The saga of peepal tree belongs to our past, our present and our future too. It is the epitome of our intellectual and moral freedom."
Odisha CM further said that the tree will be a messenger of peace, freedom, and non-violence for all of us. He called upon the people to join hands to make India strong with a message of unity and peace.
Meanwhile, the Ahimsa Rath moving across the state also reached the Lok Seva Bhawan and was welcomed by the Odisha CM.
He also released special editions of Utkal Prasang and Odisha Review, besides a special commemorative publication on Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Odisha. Several ministers, top officials and dignitaries attended the event.
