Odisha's Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj promotes Fit India Movement via unique Heritage Marathon

ANI April 5, 2025 203 views

Odisha's Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj launched a unique Heritage Marathon to celebrate Odia cultural pride and promote fitness. The event, part of the 14-day Odia Pakhya celebrations, connected participants through a scenic route from Khandagiri caves to Kalinga Studio Square. Community leaders and cultural icons participated, emphasizing the importance of preserving heritage while promoting physical wellness. The marathon represents a innovative approach to cultural engagement and fitness awareness across the state.

"We want to promote Odisha culture and spread awareness about protecting heritage places" - Suryabanshi Suraj
Bhubaneswar, April 5: As part of the ongoing 'Odia Pakhya' celebrations, the Sports and Youth Services Department of Odisha on Saturday organised the "Aitihya Ganadouda" (heritage marathon) in Bhubaneswar. Starting from the historic Khandagiri caves and concluding at Kalinga Studio Square, the marathon drew participation from hundreds of enthusiastic citizens, including youth, cultural enthusiasts and dignitaries.

Key Points

1

Heritage marathon connects cultural pride with fitness mission

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Celebrates Odia Pakhya with community engagement

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Supports Prime Minister Modi's Fit India vision

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Highlights Odisha's rich historical sites

Odisha's Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj flagged off the marathon, along with former track and field athlete Anuradha Biswal and cyclist Minati Mohapatra. According to a press release from the Odisha Sports and Youth Services Department, the event was marked by the exuberance of cultural performances, spirited participation, and a deep sense of cultural pride.

Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Minister for Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services and Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Suryabanshi Suraj said, "Odisha's Sports and Youth Department today organised a Heritage Marathon across Odisha to celebrate 'Odia Pakhya.' Via this Marathon across various heritage sites in Odisha, we not only want to promote Odisha culture but also want to spread awareness about protecting these places and keeping them clean. Further, this marathon is also promoting Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji's vision for Fit India and spreading awareness about fitness across the country."

He then went on to add, "Beyond the Heritage Marathon, Odisha aims to connect with its 4.5 crore Odias and inspire them to incorporate fitness into their daily lives, aligning with Prime Minister Modi's vision of a Fit India. Through different community outreach initiatives"

As the fifth day of the Odia Pakhya celebrations, the "Aitihya Ganadouda" not only promote fitness and unity but also serves as a moving tribute to the timeless heritage of Odisha. Cultural performances, traditional Odia cuisine and community bonding added colour to the event. Participants shared selfies from the scenic Khandagiri location, uploading them to the official Odia Pakhya website, celebrating the cultural essence of the region.

Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, Senior politician Priyadarshi Mishra, Shri Jagannath Pradhan and renowned Odia film actor Sabyasachi Mishra also graced the occasion today, adding to the event's vibrancy.

In a historic move, the Odisha government has announced the grand celebration of 'Odia Pakhya' from April 1, Odisha Day, to 14th April, Odia New Year. This 14-day celebration aims to promote the Odia language, literature, culture and heritage through various programs across the state, from the block level to the state level.

Reader Comments

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Priya M.
What a fantastic initiative! Combining fitness with cultural heritage is brilliant. I participated with my college friends and we loved running through these historic sites. The energy was amazing! 👏
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Rahul K.
While I appreciate the effort, I wish there was more focus on making these heritage sites accessible for differently-abled participants. Otherwise a great concept that should continue!
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Ananya S.
The cultural performances were the highlight for me! So proud to see our Odia traditions being celebrated like this. The marathon route was beautiful too - perfect way to showcase our heritage. ❤️
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Sanjay P.
Minister Suraj is doing great work promoting fitness through cultural events. My whole family participated and we're already looking forward to next year's marathon!
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Meera D.
Loved the concept but the food stalls could have had more healthy options to match the fitness theme. Otherwise, perfect event with great energy! The selfie spots were super creative.
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Deepak R.
As someone who's lived abroad for years, events like this make me so proud of my Odia roots. The heritage marathon is such a unique way to stay connected to our culture while staying fit. More please!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Odisha Suryabanshi Suraj Heritage Marathon Fit India Khandagiri Caves Odia Pakhya
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