Dikhyaa Mohanty 
To commemorate the success of Operation Sindoor, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi took part in the Sindoor Yatra at Master Canteen Square on Friday. The Mission Shakti Department arranged the yatra, which was a state-wide celebration of women’s empowerment and a potent homage to India’s military.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Majhi stated, “Operation Sindoor is more than just a name. It is a unique fusion of the Indian Army’s valour and the dignity of Indian womanhood. Through this yatra, we honour our brave soldiers who safeguard the nation.”
Thousands of women participated in the march, which started at Master Canteen and ended at Rama Devi University. It represented solidarity, strength, and patriotism. Prominent attendees included Priyadarshini Acharya, the spouse of Pahalgaon martyr Prashant Satpathy, and Sergeant Lieutenant Commander of the Indian Navy Ananya Dalabehera, who both marched in support of the cause.
The Chief Minister drew symbolic parallels between the sindoor and national pride: “When an Indian woman applies sindoor, it represents her resolve to protect her family. It symbolizes both danger to enemies and victory for our people. That is why Prime Minister Modi aptly named this mission Operation Sindoor.” He went on to praise the role of women in the armed forces, citing the examples of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, calling them icons of modern Indian womanhood. “I see the same courage and brilliance in all of you today,” he said, while highlighting the Odisha government’s commitment to women’s empowerment through various schemes and opportunities.
Speaker Surama Padhi, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Manorama Mohanty, Hindol MLA Seema Nayak, Development Commissioner-turned-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Mission Shakti Commissioner Shalini Pandit, Director Monika Priyadarshini, and social worker Pinky Pradhan were among the notable dignitaries who graced the occasion. The Sindoor Yatra served as a powerful symbol of women’s empowerment in Odisha, a show of patriotism, and respect for the military.
