As part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, marking 75 years of Independence, REC Limited, a Maharatna Company under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, organized the ‘Bijli Utsav’ in Khuntuni village, Athagarh block of Cuttack District in Odisha on May 20, 2023.
The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Shri Ranendra Pratap Swain, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Fisheries & ARD of Odisha; Shri Ranjan Acharya, former Block Chairman of Athagarh; Shri Pabitra Mohan Sahu, Executive Engineer, Athagarh Electrical Division, TPCODL; and Shri Bijay Kumar Mohanty, Chief Program Manager, REC Limited. Local representatives and officials from PGCIL, OPTCL, and TPCODL were also present.
The occasion featured various sessions by the dignitaries and esteemed guests, focusing on energy conservation, consumer rights, the challenges faced during electrification in remote areas, and the positive impact of access to power on improving the quality of life. Beneficiaries from the villages were invited to share their experiences and perspectives on how electricity has transformed their lives. The event concluded with the distribution of LED bulbs to the beneficiaries, promoting energy-efficient lighting solutions.