The Geological Survey of India (GSI), the premier geoscience organization in the country, is marking its 175th year of service to the nation with a yearlong celebration. As part of this milestone, a nationwide Walkathon was organized by GSI on 2nd March 2025.
The State Unit of Odisha hosted a 3.5 km Walkathon in Bhubaneswar, which saw around 400 participants, including GSI employees, their family members, members of sister organizations such as NMDC, NALCO, IBM, CGWB, other government organizations like IMMT, the Department of Geology and Mining (Govt. of Odisha), students from Rajdhani College and Utkal University, and the general public. A significant number of retired GSI officers and staff also took part in the event, encouraging young scientists.
The event was graced by the presence of Olympian Ms. Anuradha Biswal and international karate player Ms. Valena Valentina as its Ambassadors. In their addresses to the public, both sports personalities praised the role of GSI in society, particularly in Odisha, a mineral-rich state. They emphasized the importance of maintaining fitness for national service.
Shri Pankaj Kumar, Deputy Director General, highlighted GSI’s role in nation-building and stressed the importance of geoscience for a safer world, which is the tagline of this Walkathon. Dr. Ashit Kumar Swain, Director and Head of Office, conducted the program and thanked all participants for making the Walkathon a success. He also expressed gratitude to NMDC, NALCO, Uco Bank, and IGO for sponsoring the event.
The Walkathon commenced from the GSI Office at 7:30 AM, covering Stewart School Junction, Jaleshwar Temple, OUAT Guest House, Unit-8 DAV School, and returned to the GSI office by 8:30 AM. Participants showed great enthusiasm throughout the walk, making the event a grand success.
