By Our Correspondent
JODA/BARBIL: The National Flag represents unity, dignity, and our collective aspirations. It is a source of immense pride for every Indian,” said Shri Naveen Jindal, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Kurukshetra, President of the Flag Foundation of India, and Chairman of Jindal Steel & Power (JSP), while inaugurating a 72-ft monumental National Flagpole at the Kasia Iron and Dolomite Mines in Keonjhar. The towering mast now proudly holds a 16 x 24 ft Tricolour, flying high as a powerful symbol of national pride and regional identity.
Invoking the divine blessings of Maa Tarini, the presiding deity of Keonjhar district, and Mahaprabhu Shri Baladev Jiu for the prosperity of the local community, Shri Jindal remembered the sacrifices of local freedom fighters—Dharanidhar Bhuyan, Dharanidhar Nayak, Ratna Nayak, Madan Patnaik, and others—emphasizing the district’s legacy in India’s independence movement. He also mentioned with pride that Keonjhar is the birthplace and karma bhoomi of the present Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi.
In his address, Shri Naveen Jindal said, “Odisha is my ‘Karma Bhoomi’, and our family is a votary of Odisha’s art, culture, and heritage. Through its social arm, the Jindal Foundation, Jindal Steel will continue to contribute to improving the quality of life of the people in this region across various segments, health, education, nutrition, sanitation, drinking water, and the promotion of micro-enterprises.” He urged underprivileged girl students to enrol in the Yashasvi Programme of the Jindal Foundation to pursue higher education.
“We are honoured to dedicate this monumental flag to the people of Barbil, Kasia, and Keonjhar. It will serve as an enduring inspiration for generations to come to contribute to the nation’s progress,” he added.
Prominent social worker and former Sarpanch, Shri K.B. Palai, also addressed the gathering. He acknowledged JSP’s consistent efforts in the holistic development of Kasia, Keonjhar, and the broader region of Odisha. Highlighting the company’s initiatives in community welfare, agriculture, health, education, culture, and sports, he expressed hope that JSP would continue to enhance the Human Development Index in the region and across the state.
Shri Jindal is widely recognized for his relentless 10-year-long legal battle that led to the historic Supreme Court judgment in 2004, which granted every Indian citizen the right to hoist the National Flag with dignity on any day of the year. This legal victory is often regarded as a modern-day freedom struggle, restoring a fundamental right of patriotic expression to the people of India.
Under the visionary leadership of Shri Naveen Jindal, the Flag Foundation of India launched a nationwide initiative in 2009 to install monumental National Flag masts at prominent locations across India. Since then, 175 monumental flags have been installed, including nine in Odisha—further strengthening the spirit of nationalism and public participation.
Shri Prashant Hota, President and Group Head, CSR & Education, JSP, conducted the program with the support of the Corporate Communication and CSR teams, along with the Flag Foundation of India.
Shri Pramod Kumar Patra, Unit Head of Kasia Mines, in his vote of thanks, underlined the role of Kasia Mines in regional development and employment generation. He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, guests, and JSP family members for their presence and support in making the event a success.
Among the other dignitaries present were Shri Madan Behera, Shri Purna Chandra Mahakud, and members of the senior management of the company, Shri Gautam Malhotra, Shri Rajesh Nair, Shri Ashok Mahunta, and Shri Ashish Pandey, who actively participated in the monumental flag installation event.
“It is a historic moment in my life to be part of this Tiranga Utsav and to see Shri Naveen Jindal in person, whose contributions to quality education and the skilling of India we are well aware of,” said Priya Munda, a Class IX student from the local school.
