Chandahandi: In utter disrespect to one of the key architects of freedom struggle Mahatma Gandhi, his portrait was seen lying on the ground at Nabarangpur district’s Chandahandi block office premises after flag hoisting ceremony was held Thursday.
According to a source, block development officer Debendra Prasad hoisted the Tricolour at the block office. He and other staff members remembered the sacrifice of Mahatma Gandhi and of his ilk on the occasion. They also offered their tributes by showering petals and garlanding a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi. Thereafter, all including the BDO left the office.
Surprisingly, it did not occur to anybody’s mind to take the portrait away from the flag pedestal to save it from any damage.
Moments later Gandhi’s portrait was found lying on the ground unattended on a special day like Independence Day.
Even though there is a block colony inside the campus that houses the staff, residents there closed their eyes to it.
Later, some local BJD leaders, who visited the block office, noticed the portrait and picked it up.
As the news spread, local residents expressed their concern and accused the administration of committing a grave mistake by forgetting the tradition of showing respect to freedom fighters and elders.
PNN