Baripada, Jan 26: Additional District Judge Ashish Kumar Tripathy led a cycle rally in Karanjia subdivision in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district to spread awareness against child marriage on Monday, on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day. The rally, flagged off from the court premises, saw participation from lawyers, college students, and court staff, who cycled through the town carrying placards and raising slogans before returning to the court campus, officials said.

The initiative aimed to sensitize rural communities about the harmful effects of child marriage and the importance of education in empowering children. Addressing the gathering, the Judge underscored the need to eradicate child marriage, particularly in villages, and urged citizens to ensure that children are given opportunities to pursue education rather than being forced into early marriages.

The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation, with advocates and students joining hands to spread messages of social reform. Organisers noted that awareness campaigns such as these play a crucial role in informing communities about the legal consequences of child marriage and the benefits of delaying marriage until adulthood.

Participants also highlighted the role of education in preventing child marriage, stressing that informed communities are better equipped to resist regressive practices. The rally concluded at the court premises, where participants pledged to continue spreading awareness in villages and schools across the subdivision.

Also Read: Republic Day 2026: Odisha Governor Unfurls National Flag In Bhubaneswar, CM In Cuttack

The event was part of the Republic Day celebrations in Mayurbhanj, which included flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes, and parades. Republic Day, observed annually on January 26, commemorates the adoption of the Constitution in 1950, marking India’s transition into a sovereign democratic republic.

By combining patriotic fervour with social awareness, the cycle rally in Karanjia sought to reinforce constitutional values of equality and justice, while addressing a pressing social issue that continues to affect rural communities.