Nayagarh, July 26: The spirit of service took center stage as the 8th Annual District-wide 'Seva Utsav' was celebrated in Nayagarh from July 15 to July 25. Organized by the Nayagarh Seva Utsav Committee, this year's festival emphasized the joy and importance of community service, bringing together volunteers and beneficiaries in a heartwarming display of generosity and care.
Service with Enthusiasm
The Utsav, which began on July 15, aimed to spread the message that with enthusiasm for service, every day could be a festival. Over ten days, volunteers reached out to various communities within the district, providing essential services and support to those in need.
During the Utsav, approximately 2,000 residents received food, clothing, rations, and financial assistance. In addition, free health services were offered, ensuring that even the most vulnerable had access to basic healthcare. The initiative was particularly significant this year as it covered all eight blocks of the district, making a widespread impact.
Reaching Out to the Needy
One of the standout features of this year's Utsav was the door-to-door service provided by volunteers. They visited homes, distributing rations, clothes, slippers, and umbrellas to the underprivileged and those facing difficulties. This personal touch not only met the immediate needs of the recipients but also fostered a sense of community and support.
Free health services were also provided in the villages of Chamundia and Mardabadi, where medical camps were set up to offer check-ups and treatments. The Utsav also took the opportunity to promote organ donation, encouraging people to consider this noble act of giving.
A Grand Conclusion
The Utsav concluded with a grand ceremony at the Raghunath Temple Mandap in Odagaon. The closing event was presided over by Shibaram Mohapatra, Chairman of the Seva Utsav Committee. Other distinguished guests included environmentalist Sukanta Chowdhury and social worker Damodar Sahu, who shared their insights and experiences. 
Cultural and Educational Programs
The concluding ceremony was not just about speeches and acknowledgments. It also featured a series of cultural performances organized in collaboration with the Odisha Government's Department of Culture. These performances included traditional music and dance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
In addition, an agricultural awareness program was organized by the Odagaon Block Agriculture Office. This program aimed to educate farmers about new techniques and practices to improve their yield and livelihood. The Odagaon Block Chairman and Block Agriculture Officer participated in this initiative, highlighting the importance of agriculture in the community.
Volunteer Efforts
The success of the festival was largely due to the dedicated efforts of the volunteers. Members like Gulshan Kumar Das, Somya Swamprabha, Barsha Priyadarshini, Ranjan Nanda, Yudhishthira Behera, Karan Badaatia, Papu Nayak, Ranjan Behera, Rajendra Jena, Anshuman Sethi, Chinmay Prasad Behera, Gopal Chandra Sahu, Kahana Sahu, Sanjay Swaing, Siddhanta Kumar Pradhan, Prashanta Kumar Sahu, Amit Kumar Sahu, Subhashis Nayak, Saina, and Sneha Priyadarshini played key roles in organizing and executing the various activities. 
A Festival of Giving
The 8th Annual District-wide Seva Utsav in Nayagarh was more than just an event; it was a celebration of humanity and the spirit of giving. Through their collective efforts, the organizers and volunteers demonstrated that with enthusiasm and dedication, it is possible to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As the festival came to a close, it left behind a legacy of kindness and community spirit that will inspire many more such initiatives in the future.