Bhubaneswar: Odisha joined the nationwide celebration of 150th birth anniversary of Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, with the launch of the Ekta Padayatra at Nilagiri in Balasore, Thursday.
The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who led the march propagating national unity and integrity. Thousands of students, youth, citizens, and government officials participated in the 9-km march from Nilagiri to Mitrapur, carrying messages of unity and patriotism. Students proudly held a 100-foot-long Tricolour, symbolising the spirit of togetherness. Before the march, the Chief Minister offered prayers at the Jagannath Temple in Nilagiri and visited a photo exhibition on “Balasore’s Role in the Freedom Struggle” and “The Life of Sardar Patel” organised at the Police Ground. Addressing the public gathering, Chief Minister said the Ekta Padayatra was “not merely a march but a symbol of Indianness,” reflecting every citizen’s duty to preserve national unity. “The land where we stand today, Nilagiri, is not just a geographical place; it is the pulse of people’s power and democracy,” he remarked, recalling the historic Nilagiri People’s Movement as a shining chapter in Odisha’s freedom struggle.
He highlighted that the movement represented the unity of local youth, farmers, labourers, and educated citizens against exploitation and injustice — a collective voice that stood for rights, dignity, and self-respect. Drawing parallel between the past and present, Majhi said, “Today’s march conveys the same message of unity in diversity. Regardless of caste, religion, or language, we are all Indians. This unity is our strength and our identity.” The Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to youth empowerment through initiatives in employment, education, sports, and creativity, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision based on four pillars — farmers, the poor, women, and youth.
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