Bhubaneswar, Odisha : The 14-day Youth Student Awakening Campaign Bhubaneswar, organized by Nabnirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan, concluded today with a massive rally and public meeting at Lower PMG. The campaign, which began on August 4 with a padyatra from Bhubaneswar to Balasore, aimed to demand justice for Soumyashree, whom the organizers described as a martyr of the state’s failure to ensure women’s safety.
Hundreds of students, youth, women, and farmers from across Odisha joined the concluding procession. The padyatra, led by national president Akshay Kumar, passed through several towns and colleges over 14 days, raising awareness on women’s security and student rights. Marchers spent the night at Rasulgarh before heading towards the capital on Sunday morning. After a stop near Vani Vihar for a public address, the rally grew larger as students from different districts joined in.
A symbolic statue of Soumyashree was carried in an open jeep and garlanded by Akshay Kumar before the crowd reached Lower PMG. Addressing the gathering, Akshay Kumar said, “Throughout history, students and youth have been at the forefront of change. But in Odisha, women remain unsafe, facing violence and injustice. This campaign is our call to action, demanding Soumyashree’s recognition as a martyr and justice for all women victims.”
Speakers criticized the state government’s alleged apathy and failure in protecting women. Nabnirman Krushak Sangathan coordinator Sheshadev Nanda said elected representatives had failed their democratic duty, while Yuva Chhatra president Manawar Ali accused the government of “total failure” in ensuring women’s security. He demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and Higher Education Minister Suraj Suryavanshi for their responsibility in recent incidents.
Former minister Praful Samal and Bhadrak Municipality Chairperson Gulmukhi also alleged constitutional failure by the state government. The program opened with revolutionary songs by Debiprasad Maharana and Snehansu Jena, setting the tone for fiery speeches.
Several state committee members, including Umakant Bharat, Dr. Kulamani, Ranjit Pattnaik, and others, attended the rally. Organizers vowed to continue protests across the state until Soumyashree is honored and women’s safety is guaranteed.
