**Bhubaneswar: ** Being a working day, State Secretariat here in Odisha capital city reverberated with warm wishes and glad greetings on the first day of New Year-2019 (January 1).
All were seen busy moving from one office chamber to another belonging to the ministers and bureaucrats with bouquets and flowers in hands as well as cute smile laced with wishes and greetings.
Also, the ministers and bureaucrats reciprocated the gesture with smiles and good wishes in return.
The cynosure was Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. While he was accorded a rousing New Year greeting by the enthusiastic State Secretariat employees, the Chief Minister also reciprocated the gesture with warmth and waving of his hands. Slogan was also heard eulogising the Chief Minister that rented the air.
On the occasion, Odisha Finance Minister Sashi Bhusan Behera said, “New Year will be propitious for the people of Odisha, especially for the women, farmers, students, youths, culture, even the deprived lot like the ST people and Dalits.”
“As it is an election year, there is every possibility of confusions to be created among public. The year is a challenge specifically for the media. Instead of believing in yellow journalism, facts should be presented. BJD will cross 19 years in 2019. Hence, 19/19 will double the strength of BJD,” the senior BJD leader wished.
Higher Education and Industries Minister Ananta Das said, “Good Wishes to the people of Odisha as well as nation. May all lead a peaceful and prosperous life by the blessings of Lord Jagannath.”
Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare and Cooperation Minister Surya Narayan Patro said, “May Lord Jagannath bless your family, people of Odisha as well as the whole universe. May there be no cyclone and flood in Odisha while peace and prosperity dwell on us all.”
In his reactions, Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Panda said, “I wish all a happy new year. May Lord Jagannath and Lingaraj bless all with a peaceful and prosperous year.”
“We’re fully hopeful that Naveen Babu’s government will be re-sworn-in this year to continue the service to the people of Odisha and the welfare schemes will be further expedited,” he wished.
Odisha Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi said, “All my good wishes to the people of Odisha on this occasion. I wish the ongoing development of Odisha pace up further. We’ll all try to achieve success in our developmental programmes being implemented.”
Development Commissioner and Home Secretary Asit Tripathy said, “Lots of welfare schemes of the Government are ongoing. Myself as well as all our employees are committed to deliver the goods to the people. With this motto, I wish you all happiness, peace and prosperity.”
On the pious occasion, School & Mass Education Secretary-cum-SJTA chief administrator Pradipta Mohapatra said, “I wish all the people of our State and all the devotees of Lord Jagannath throughout the world. May 2019 bestow all with happiness and prosperity.”
**Also Read:** [Odisha CM Wishes Everyone ‘Happy New Year’](https://www.ommcomnews.com/odisha-news/odisha-cm-wishes-everyone-happy-new-year-)
**Also Read:** [Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Seeks Lord Jagannath’s Blessings, Greets All On New Year Day](https://www.ommcomnews.com/odisha-news/odisha-cm-naveen-patnaik-seeks-lord-jagannath-s-blessings-greets-all-on-new-year-day)