Bhubaneswar, Jan 25: The much awaited mini marathon, organised by KIIT and KISS annually with the moto of ‘education for all’, was held today across all districts of Odisha and various cities in India.
This year, the marathon was held in 35 locations across Odisha and different places across India. A special segment of this event, called “Pattathon,” was uniquely conducted in Bhubaneswar.
In its second edition, held early morning today, the Pattathon witnessed the participation of 6,000 women running while wearing traditional pata sarees. Organised with the themes of “Women Empowerment” and “Education for All,” the Pattathon featured women employees of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, along with women from various parts of the state. The participants ran from the Shikharchandi Temple Square to the KISS Athletics Stadium.
Sushmita Tigga from Sundargarh secured the first prize of Rs 50,000. Diptirani Sahu from Kendrapara achieved second place and Basanti Munda from Cuttack finished third, receiving prizes of Rs 40,000 and Rs 30,000 respectively. Seven runners-up were awarded Rs 10,000 each. Additionally, all winners were gifted traditional Pata sarees.
The event was organised by K-3 ladies club of KIIT. Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Mayor Sulochana Das, Former Chairperson of the Odisha State Child Rights Protection Commission Sandhyabati Pradhan, Corporators Pritinanda Routray, Yashodhara Pradhan, and Laxmipriya Parida, Olympian Dutee Chand, Anuradha Biswal participated in the event along with KIIT and KISS Founder Dr Achyuta Samanta; Prof. Saranjit Singh, VC, KIIT Deemed to be University; and Prof. J R Mohanty, Registrar. They motivated the women participants and presented the awards.
Since its inception in 2016, this marathon has been conducted annually under the initiative of Dr. Samanta to raise awareness about ‘education for all’.
