Bhubaneswar: In a heartwarming display of cultural pride and economic solidarity, the front lawn of Lok Seva Bhawan transformed into a vibrant tapestry of Odisha’s heritage this Friday.
Under the gentle morning sun, the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management stood united, not just in their official duties, but in a shared thread of tradition.
At the heart of this gathering stood Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Revenue and Disaster Management, a man whose career has been defined as much by his honesty, administrative excellence as by his unwavering love for the looms of his soil.
For Dr. Padhee, handloom is not merely a choice of fabric; it is a silent tribute to the tireless fingers of the Odia weaver. From his early days as a young District Collector to his current role as ACS, he has carried the Mantra of Friday Dressing as a mission of the heart.
Today, that mission was visible in every hand-woven shirt, every intricate jacket, and the graceful drapes of Sambalpuri and Maniabandi sarees worn by the officers and staff. The atmosphere was one of quiet dignity, where the rustle of handmade cotton spoke louder than any policy document about the need to protect the state’s rural economy.
Dr. Padhee’s influence goes beyond the aesthetic; it is an emotional bridge between the Corridors of Power and the humble thatched huts of weavers across the state. By encouraging his team to embrace these textures, he is ensuring that a weaver’s lamp stays lit and a traditional art form breathes another day. This commitment to a cleaner, prouder workspace is further mirrored in his strict discipline against tobacco in office premises, fostering an environment of health and respect.
As ACS Revenue, Dr.Padhee reaches out to District Collectors across Odisha to replicate this initiative, a movement is taking root. It is a movement that asks every officer to wear their identity on their sleeve, literally.
Today’s gathering was a powerful reminder that when a leader leads with soul, an entire department follows with pride, turning a simple Friday into a celebration of Odisha’s living history.