'Alcohol-free Odisha can truly become a developed Odisha'

Bhubaneswar (By Abhishek Mohanty): An alcohol-free Odisha can truly become a developed Odisha. To make this a reality, collective efforts, strong determination, and support from voluntary organizations are essential, said eminent guests at the 35th Anniversary and 36th Foundation Day celebration of People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC) held at Gita Govinda Sadan, Bhubaneswar. 

Ranjan Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, PECUC, delivered the welcome speech and shared insights from PECUC’s 35 years of service and experience. 
Joining as Chief Guest, Padma Charan Nayak, Freedom Fighter, Eminent Gandhian, Columnist, and President of Milita Odisha Nisha Nibaran Abhijan, spoke about the ill effects of liquor on health and society. And gave call for a liquor-free society. 

Also present at the event, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Founder of Odia Daily Sambad and Chairman and Managing Director of Eastern Media Limited, lauded PECUC for its significant contribution towards the upliftment of the backward classes and congratulated the organization on completing 35 glorious years. He further stated everyone should visit to their school to see the present situation of the school. 

Pattnaik emphasized that everyone must come forward to ensure quality education for children and development of our schools. Other dignitaries who extended their best wishes and congratulations included Niranjan Sahoo, IAS (Retd.), Ajay Kumar Patnaik, Former Joint Labour Commissioner, Government of Odisha, Pradosh Kumar Patnaik, Senior Journalist, and Jagadanand, Co-Founder of CYSD. The event was chaired by Dr.Minakshi Panda, Chairperson, PECUC. 

A book highlighting the major achievements from PECUC’s 35-year journey was released on this occasion. 

Anuradha Mohanty, Executive Director, PECUC, delivered the vote of thanks. 

Subhajit Panda coordinated the programme.

PECUC’s Goodwill Ambassadors for Child Rights Promotion, child artists Tapas Kumar Sarangi and Suhana Kar, along with youth leader Miloni Mishra, also spoke on the occasion. Amongst other Anuradha Bishwal, Olympian & Director, PECUC; Dr. Snehaprabha Samantaray, renowned Odissi dancer, Former Principal of Sangita Natak Mahavidyalaya, Bhubaneswar & Director, PECUC; Ratna Dash, Treasurer, PECUC; Bandita Das, Eminent Singer & Joint Secretary, PECUC, PECUC's Board of Managent members Ahuti Baral and Sharmila Sahu, Madhabanand Behura, Senior Journalist, Debidatta Das, Rotary Club of Bhubaneswar Unique; and Prativa Nalini Pati, Inner Wheel Club, shared their experience with PECUC in the meeting.

A workshop on Eco-Friendly Lifestyle and Green Habits was organized in the evening. 

Speaking at the workshop, Prof. Dr. Jaya Krushna Panigrahi, Secretary, Odisha Environment Society, discussed climate change and personal action. 

Eminent cine actress Anu Choudhury addressed the topic of sustainable fashion, while Dr. Snehalata Nanda, Retired Professor of Home Science, OUAT Bhubaneswar, spoke on sustainable food choices. 

Shushree Shailani Suman, Director of Radio Sampark and Founder President of ECOSAVERS Youth Network, moderated the session. Stuti Ranjan Pradhan, State President of ECOSAVERS Youth Network, delivered the welcome address and explained the workshop’s purpose. More than 150 participants including PECUC’s staffs, old staffs, well wishers, academicians, representatives from different operational areas of PECUC, children and adolescent group leaders, youth leaders participated in this event. 

Jyotishankar, Panu, Sumitra, Alpana, Puja, Upama of PECUC facilitated this event.