6,000 Women Participate in Pattathon to Promote ‘Education for All’

Bhubaneswar: In a vibrant celebration of empowerment and education, around 6,000 women draped in traditional sarees participated in the second edition of Pattathon, a mini-marathon organized by KIIT-DU. Held on Saturday, the event carried the powerful motto ‘Education for All.’

This year, the marathon expanded its reach, being conducted across 37 locations in Odisha and over 65 locations across India. A unique segment of the event, named “Pattathon,” was specially organized in Bhubaneswar.

The mini-marathon witnessed enthusiastic participation from women employees of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, along with runners from different parts of Odisha. Participants covered the course from Shikharchandi Temple Square to the KISS Athletics Stadium.

Kiran Mahato from Rourkela clinched the first prize of ₹50,000, followed by Tejaswini Kispatta and Sasmita Behera from Cuttack, who won ₹40,000 and ₹30,000, respectively. Seven runners-up were awarded ₹10,000 each, and all winners were gifted traditional sarees as a mark of appreciation.

The event was graced by several prominent figures, including the Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly Surama Padhy, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Mayor Sulochana Das, Corporator Pritinanda Routray, and renowned athletes Dutee Chand and Anuradha Biswal. Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the founder of KIIT, KIMS, and KISS, also joined the occasion, further elevating its significance.

Organized by the K-3 Ladies Club of KIIT, Pattathon has been an annual initiative since 2016, championed by Dr. Samanta to promote the importance of education. The event continues to inspire and highlight the role of women in advocating for societal progress through education.