Argus News - Dharmendra Pradhan Leads Ekta Padyatra in Sambalpur

Sambalpur, Nov 25: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday joined the Ekta Padyatra in Sambalpur, marking the culmination of celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The Ekta Padyatra commenced from the Police Reserve Ground and proceeded through key city landmarks, including Laxmi Talkies, Gol Bazar, Arvind School Road, Nelson Mandela Square, Jail Square, and Bhootpada, before culminating at the Government Women’s College Ground.

Pradhan was joined by prominent leaders, including Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, and Sambalpur MLA Jaynarayan Mishra. The march witnessed active participation from students of local schools and colleges, members of the NCC, and residents from across the city.

Cultural performances had already begun at the venue as the padyatra moved through the city, symbolising national unity and Patel’s legacy as the ‘Iron Man of India’.

The padyatra comes just a day after Pradhan’s high-profile engagement in Sambalpur, where on Monday, he attended the closing ceremony of the Sansad Khel Mahotsav 2025 at the Veer Surendra Sai Stadium. Addressing a packed stadium of young athletes, he reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building Olympic-level sporting strength from the grassroots, aiming at creating a strong pool of talent by 2036. Praising the dedication and discipline of youngsters in western Odisha, Pradhan said sports not only hone physical strengths but also build confidence, resilience and national pride.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Echoes PM Modi’s Olympics 2036 Vision At Sambalpur Sansad Khel Mahotsav

The Sansad Khel Mahotsav witnessed a massive 53,619 registrations from the Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency, including 27,455 boys and 26,159 girls. Competitions were hosted across blocks between November 7 and 24 in both junior (14–17 years) and senior (18–23 years) categories, covering athletics, football, swimming, kabaddi, kho-kho, discus throw and shot put.