Bhubaneswar: The Utkal University which will be observing its 50th Convocation on Saturday, April 3, 2021, has started conducting RT-PCR tests of its faculty members, students and employees ahead of Vice-President's visit to the varsity for the occasion.
As per reports, keeping the prevailing surge in COVID cases in the State in mind, the University has decided to allow only COVID negative members to participate in the programme. Those found COVID positive, will be isolated in a separate room in the University dispensary. The organisers expect around 200 people to grace the event.
Speaking about the event, Abhay Nayak, the Vice Chancellor of Utkal University said, "We have limited our guests and the awardees to a maximum of 200. Those who are supposed to come in close proximity of the Vice-President have undergone the RT-PCR test and the guests who will remain at a distance have been tested through rapid antigen test kits."
A student and a hostel boarder of the University said, "We are quite excited with prospects of meeting with the Vice-President of India. All the COVID guidelines have been put up in place by the administration. And I hope the event will be a success."
Meanwhile, the Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu has already arrived in Bhubaneswar on Friday on a two-day visit to Odisha.
As per the official itinerary, Naidu will inaugurate the 600th birth anniversary celebrations of Adi Kabi Sarala Das at Sarala Bhawan in Cuttack today evening at around 5.20 pm. The VP will return to Raj Bhawan where he will spend the night.
He is scheduled to attend the 50th convocation of Utkal University as the chief guest tomorrow.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)