Rourkela, 15th August 2026: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) on 15th August 2026 with immense enthusiasm and national pride. The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director, NIT Rourkela, followed by the singing of the National Anthem.
The Director, accompanied by Prof. Mayank Yadav, Professor-in-Charge, NCC Army Wing, and Prof. Arun Prasath V., Professor-in-Charge, NCC Navy Wing, inspected the parade. The parade featured contingents from the NCC Army and Navy Wings, NCC Air Force Wing (REC School), NIT Rourkela security personnel, the Civil Group of NIT Rourkela, and REC School students. The event was coordinated by Prof. Anant Charan Pradhan, Professor-in-Charge, Safety and Security, NIT Rourkela; and NCC Wings.
Following the parade, Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao delivered the Independence Day address and led the gathering in the National Integration Pledge. Addressing the gathering, he said, “The nation we inherit in 2047 will be the nation we build today. Our youth must move beyond degrees to skills, innovation and entrepreneurship, and use technology to solve real problems of our society. Let us choose character over shortcuts, responsibility over indifference, and build an India that is self-reliant, innovative and steadfast in its journey towards Viksit Bharat.”
The cultural segment featured a vibrant patriotic song performance by REC School students, followed by another patriotic performance by NIT Rourkela students. The programme concluded with the distribution of certificates by the Director, recognising contributions to various activities. Lt. Col. Ajatsatru Nayak, Administrative Officer, Odisha NCC Battalion, was the Guest of Honour. Deans, the Registrar, and Heads of Departments of the Institute were also present on the occasion.
Across the NIT Rourkela campus, the National Flag was ceremoniously hoisted at multiple locations, including the Staff Club, Technology Club, Main Institute Building, Student Activity Centre (SAC), and various Halls of Residence, reflecting the spirit of Independence Day in every corner of the Institute.
As 15th August also marks the Foundation Day of NIT Rourkela, established in 1961, the Institute is celebrating the occasion with an evening of classical art. The SPIC MACAY, NITR Chapter, under the aegis of the SAC, will present a special cultural programme featuring the traditional Gottipua dance by Nilakantheshwar Gottipua Gurukul Academy, led by Guru Sri Goutam Mahapatra. The performance will offer a fitting tribute to Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
