The coastal town of Paradip in Odisha was buzzing with energy on Friday as the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) celebrated its 64th Foundation Day. The highlight of the festivities was the 20th Paradip Marathon, a 14-kilometer race that drew hundreds of participants from across the country. Organized by the Gopabandhu Kreeda Sansad, the event not only showcased athletic talent but also underscored the port's significant strides in becoming a major maritime hub. Amidst cheers and উৎসাহ (utsaaha - enthusiasm), 388 runners – 325 men and 63 women, dashed from the Hanuman Temple Square, winding their way through the port town before culminating at the Gopabandhu Stadium. The event was flagged off by PPA Chairman Shri P.L. Haranadh, with Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Deputy Chairman, PPA, as the Guest of Honor.
The Race: A Display of Speed and Endurance
The Paradip Marathon wasn't just a run; it was a test of speed, endurance, and determination. Athletes from various states, including Odisha, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, competed fiercely for the top honors.
Men's Category: Odisha Police's Ashok Dandsena Clinches Victory
In the men's category, it was Ashok Dandsena of Odisha Police who emerged victorious, crossing the finish line in a swift 41 minutes and 51.1 seconds. His impressive time secured him the first prize, showcasing the high caliber of athletes within the state's police force. He was closely followed by Arjun Tudu from Jharkhand, who secured the second position with a time of 41 minutes and 54.7 seconds. Dayanidhi Munda from Sonepur took home the third prize, completing the race in 44 minutes and 04 seconds.
Women's Category: Susmita Tigga Leads the Pack
The women's race was equally competitive, with Susmita Tigga, also from Odisha Police, dominating the field. She clinched the first prize with an impressive time of 53 minutes and 26.5 seconds. Sandhya Murmu from Mayurbhanj secured the second position, finishing in 54 minutes and 58.6 seconds. Dipti Rani Sahoo claimed the third spot, completing the race in 55 minutes and 50.1 seconds.
Winners' Timing Summary:
Category | Winner | Affiliation | Time |
Men | Ashok Dandsena | Odisha Police | 41' 51.1" |
Arjun Tudu | Jharkhand | 41' 54.7" | |
Dayanidhi Munda | Sonepur | 44' 04" | |
Women | Susmita Tigga | Odisha Police | 53' 26.5" |
Sandhya Murmu | Mayurbhanj | 54' 58.6" | |
Dipti Rani Sahoo | - | 55' 50.1" |
Beyond the Race: Celebrating Paradip Port's Achievements
The Foundation Day celebrations weren't limited to the marathon. In a valedictory function held at the Gopabandhu Stadium, PPA Chairman Shri P.L. Haranadh highlighted the port's remarkable achievements. He proudly declared that PPA is currently the largest major port in India in terms of rated capacity. He further emphasized that it boasts the best berth productivity among Indian major ports and is also the most cost-effective.
A Vision for the Future: 400 MMT by 2030
Shri Haranadh outlined an ambitious vision for the future, revealing plans to transform Paradip Port into a 400 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) capacity port by 2030. This involves a slew of modernization projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and operational efficiency. He also emphasized on the development of greenery in the locality and the welfare of the employees.
A Moment of Recognition: Honoring Talent
The occasion also served as a platform to recognize sporting talent. Indian sprinter Srabani Nanda, a specialist in the 4x100m relay, 100m, and 200m events, was felicitated by the PPA Chairman. Her assistant coach, Namita Kabat, was also honored. In a heartwarming gesture, five differently-abled students from the local JAGRUTY school were also felicitated, highlighting the port's commitment to inclusivity.
A Port City on the Move
The 64th Foundation Day celebrations of Paradip Port Authority, highlighted by the successful 20th Paradip Marathon, were a resounding success. The event not only showcased the athletic prowess of participants from across the country but also underscored the port's remarkable growth and ambitious future plans. Paradip Port's journey from a modest port to becoming the largest major port in India is a testament to its strategic vision and effective management. The commitment to modernization, coupled with a focus on employee welfare and community development, paints a promising picture for the port's future. As it strives towards its 400 MMT capacity goal, Paradip Port is not just expanding its infrastructure; it's also contributing significantly to the economic growth of Odisha and the nation. The marathon, in many ways, symbolized this onward march – a race towards a brighter, more prosperous future for the port and the region it serves. The enthusiastic participation and the port's ambitious plans suggest that Paradip is well on its way to becoming a major maritime powerhouse on the global stage.
