Bhubaneswar: As the entire nation celebrated the return of captured Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman from Pakistan and the Indian Air Force’s daredevil raids on Jaish-e-Mohmmad (JeM) camps at Balakot in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, the 81st Patha Utsav Sunday dedicated the street festival to the courage, valour and services of the IAF and Wing Commander Abhinandan’s homecoming.
Secretary, Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), and nodal officer of Patha Utsav Bhabani Shankar Chayani said: “The act of sacrifice and patriotism shown by the personnel of IAF has moved every Indian and in a time of national emergency the IAF has played a role of great patriot and saviour. We have this Patha Utsav dedicated to our air force.’’
On the occasion, artists and children were seen painting and drawing the faces of Abhinandan and the songs played were patriotic. Other activities at the largest street festival of Bhubaneswar were based on national integration and fighting terrorism.
Itishree Dixit and her group created an exclusive Rangoli on the contribution of IAF towards national security and how the brave airmen and their flying machines have contributed towards nation’s peace keeping responsibilities and stability.
Sujit Mohapatra from Bakul Foundation said: “We had organised storytelling on the exploits of the Indian Air Force where retired IAF personnel narrated their heroic tales to the participants. There were special curated sections on IAF planes/fighters and air warfare. City’s well-known storyteller Prachitara had done a storytelling session on the Indian Air Force.”
Debiprasad from DPR Art Life paid tribute to IAF and Indian Armed Forces through innovative art themes to motivate young visitors towards the role of the national security agencies. “We created a model of Mirage 2000 fighter jet, which proved its mettle during the power strike at Balakot,’’ added Debiprasad.
