Bhubaneswar, Feb. 4: Budding engineer Tusharkant Sahoo from the state received a gold medal from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh this year.

Sahoo, a student of KIIT University, was awarded for becoming the best cadet in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26.

It is after a gap of 39 years that a cadet from Odisha bagged the award.

Rahul Tulo, another student of the varsity, received the gold medal in ballet composite dance and silver medal in a group song.

The duo along with 105 students from the state had taken part in the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.

“After a gap of 67 years, the state secured second position,” said lieutenant colonel Sundeep Parija, NCC, Odisha.

Governor S.C. Jamir awarded the students a gold medal yesterday.

Tushar and Rahul were given a rousing welcome after their arrival here. A special felicitation ceremony will be organised by the university, said the varsity authorities.