Union Minister joins ‘Ekta Padayatra’ in Sambalpur.
Sambalpur: November 26:
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised that Odisha’s approaching centenary in 2036 and India’s 100th year of independence in 2047 are crucial milestones. He called for decisive action over the next 10 and 22 years to achieve a prosperous and developed Sambalpur, Odisha, and India, shifting from the earlier fight for self-rule to one for progress.
On Tuesday, Pradhan participated in the ‘Ekta Padayatra’ organised in Sambalpur on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ji, the great symbol of India’s unity and integrity.
The padayatra started from the Reserve Police Station and ended at the Women’s College field, in which enthusiasm and dedication towards the ideals of Sardar Patel were seen.
After the padayatra, Union Minister Pradhan addressed the public, urging them to take responsibility for Sambalpur and Odisha’s future while honouring Sardar Patel’s unity. He called for action aligned with Gandhiji’s ideology to ensure a clean and healthy Sambalpur, prioritise nutrition for all rural children, starting from newborns, promote sports, and strengthen local sports infrastructure. Pradhan further called for collective efforts to boost the courage, self-respect, and self-reliance of approximately 2 lakh families living in Sambalpur.
He underscored the ‘Ekta Padyatra’ as a demonstration of national unity, equality, and harmony, referencing Sardar Patel’s leadership as foundational to India’s ongoing progress.
By installing the world’s tallest statue of Patelji, the ‘Statue of Unity’ in Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tribute to this great man on behalf of the nation. This Statue of Unity is a symbol of pride, unity, peace and gratitude.
In his speech, the Union Minister recalled the contributions of many Baraputras, such as Bamanda Raja Sir Basudeb Sudhaldev and Swabhaba Kavi Gangadhar Meher, to the formation of Odisha on linguistic grounds.
Odisha Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Ravi Narayan Nayak, Higher Education, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Suryavansi Suraj, and Sambalpur MLA Jai Narayan Mishra were prominently present in this event. Students, youth, volunteers, intellectuals, and members of other social organisations also participated, making the walk a success. Union Minister Joins ‘Ekta Padayatra’ Held At Sambalpur
