Bhubaneswar, Nov 1: The Subhadra Ekata Padyatra was held in Bhubaneswar yesterday to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Organized by the Department of Women and Child Development, the rally started from Master Canteen Square and concluded at Rajmahal Square. The event, dedicated to promoting women’s empowerment, drew significant attention with its message of unity and self-reliance.

The Deputy Chief Minister, Pravati Parida, participated in the padyatra and emphasized the importance of empowering women for a prosperous state. She highlighted that when women are self-sufficient and strong, they become the foundation of a thriving state. The "Subhadra Yojana," a government initiative aimed at empowering women, was also underscored as a key program contributing to this vision.

In the state government’s efforts, over one crore women have been provided with financial assistance amounting to more than 15,000 crores, showcasing substantial progress in improving women’s welfare. These efforts are beginning to show visible benefits across various sectors.

 According to Parida, empowered women are essential to achieving the goal of a developed India and a prosperous Odisha.

The padyatra also served as a platform for women from different regions to come together, share experiences, and build new connections.

The Deputy Chief Minister stressed that such interactions foster a stronger sense of unity and a deeper understanding of each other's challenges and aspirations.

In addition to the padyatra, it was announced that the "Subhadra Portal" will be launched for new registrations for the 2025-26 financial year, further strengthening the government’s commitment to empowering women.

Mayor of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Sulochana Das, joined the event and encouraged citizens to take advantage of various government schemes for their benefit. Senior officials, including Shubha Sharma, Secretary of the Department of Women and Child Development, Monisha Banerjee, Director of Integrated Child Development Services and Social Welfare, and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Chanchal Rana, were also present at the event.