Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik plants peepal tree on Gandhi Jayanti

BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday paid tribute to Father of the nation Mahanta Gandhi on his 153rd birth anniversary.
Naveen said the solemn occasion of Gandhi Jayanti has a special significance this year as the nation is commemorating the 75th year of independence this year.
On this occasion, there was a celebration of peace, non-violence, and freedom at Lok Seva Bhawan during which the chief minister join hands to make India strong in the spirit of peace, non-violence, and brotherhood.
The chief minister, on the occasion, also planted a peepal tree in the premises of Lok Seva Bhawan (state secretariat) and coined the term 'Freedom Tree' for it. He also laid the sacred soil and water collected from different places of the state and planted the freedom tree.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the tree will be a messenger of peace, freedom and non-violence for all of us.
“The peepal tree signifies knowledge, enlightenment, happiness, and auspiciousness. Since ages, it continues to represent the collective conscience of a pan-Indian cultural heritage. From the ancient Indus Valley civilisation to the sacred pages of Bhagwat Gita to the enlightenment of Lord Budhha,” said the chief minister.
The peepal tree has always been an inseparable part of our socio-cultural life. The saga of peepal belongs to our past, our present and our future too. It is the epitome of our intellectual and moral freedom, Naveen added.
The chief minister also received the "Ahimsa Rath”, which travelled for 49 days across the state covering approximately 20,000 km to spread the message of non-violence. He also released special editions of Utkal Prasang and Odisha Review. He also released a special commemorative publication on the visit of Mahatma Gandhi to Odisha.
On Gandhi Jayanti, veteran freedom fighter and the President of State Freedom Fighters’ Association, Nilamani Samal presented a Charkha to the CM. Naveen also honoured Samal.
A special function was also organised on the state assembly premises which was attended by governor Ganeshi Lal, chief minister, speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha and several ministers. The Gandhi Jayanti was also celebrated across the state.