Sri Sri University’s Annual Orion Sports Fest inaugurated

The Sports Fest of Orion – 2023 commenced with a grand Inaugural Ceremony on the 23rd of
January 2023 at Sri Sri University premises. Named as Shaurya 2023, the annual concourse
encompasses 11 inter-university sports competitions which include Basketball, Volleyball,
Table tennis, Cricket, Futsal, Chess, Lawn Tennis, Kho-Kho, Kabaddi, Athletics & Badminton.
The ceremony was graced with the Chief Guest Padma Shri Sri Pramod Bhagat, the Guest of
Honour, Shri Satya Ranjan Sahoo, Collector and District Magistrate, Boudh.
The Sports Inaugural Ceremony began with the guests lighting the lamp, signifying the
goodwill and brilliance of the forthcoming fest. It was followed by the students of Sri Sri
Gurukul infusing energy and optimism into the surroundings through their divine Vedic
chanting. Dr. Vijaya Lakshmi Mohanty Director – HRDC and Head Public relations, Sri Sri
University, introduced Orion’s sports events and welcomed the gatherings, lauded the culture
of sports in the institution nurtured by student players, their coaches and the management of
Sri Sri University.
The Indian national flag was hoisted by the guests followed by the playing of the national
anthem. The ceremony then witnessed the torch run by nationally and internationally acclaimed
students in the field of sports. The student coordinator of Orion Sports, Anivart Jhujhunwala,
led the audience to the oath of ethics in sports.
The ceremony witnessed the energizing Yoga Dance performed by the students of Faculty of
Health and Wellness. Shri Gaurav Verma, Director Operations wished students to be
courageous and be inspired by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose as the Fest is inaugurated on the
Parakram Divas. Prof. B.R. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Sri Sri University, took the podium and
threw light on the importance of sports and how the honour of the country is related to the glory
of sports. He quoted Chandogya Upanishad “Yadev vidya karoti sharadhyopanishda.
Tadeva veerayavattram bhavati”, which means anything done with knowledge, faith and
the right attitude becomes prosperous and big. He announced the formation of a Hockey
Team in the University. Sri Satya Ranjan Sahu envisioned Orion Cultural, Sports and BFest to reach a global audience along with percolating the same to the grassroots. Padma
Shri Pramod Bhagat spoke about his journey in the sports of Badminton, his winning gold
medal in Paralympics -2020, receiving the Arjuna awards and Major Dhyan Chand Khel
Ratna Award, etc.
The ceremony was enthralled by mesmerizing ‘Nameless’ band performance by the students
of Sri Sri University. The event ended with the offer of a vote of thanks by alumni Ashutosh
Mohapatra.