Basudevpur: Charibatia, a village in Balimeda panchayat under this block of Bhadrak district, carries historical significance as Mahatma Gandhi had spent two nights here after arriving December 16, 1927.
Even as 90 years would be completed to Bapu’s visit after three days, the village, located on Mantei river basin, remains underdeveloped. The Centre as well as the state did little to keep memories of Gandhi’s historic visit alive, alleged locals. Meanwhile, resentment is brewing among the locals over the issue.
According to reports, Gandhi, during his Orissa visit, came to Charibatia after crossing Mantei to know the well being of people living in the coastal region. Freedom fighters of Basudevpur were encouraged by Gandhi to join the movement. National leaders including Mahadev Desai, Kaka Kalekar Mira Ben and other freedom fighters of the state like Harekrushna Mahatab and Gopabandhu Das also visited the village.
The Mahatma collected donations from people of the village as their contribution towards the freedom struggle. Some local leaders including Hari Malik, Bhutanath Mohanty, Bishnumohan Mohanty, Baikuntha Mohanty, Ganesh Mohanty and Biswanath Mohanty played their part in the struggle. Gandhiji was served milk, greens and vegetable curry for lunch.
Despite having its link with the freedom movement, the village has been kept neglected. A bridge across Mantei is yet to be constructed. School students cross the river dangerously in country boats.
An old inspection bungalow where Gandhiji spent two nights is no more on the sight. The land on which the bungalow stood has now been grabbed by some people. The tax-collection office of the British government is in a dilapidated state. Though the state government had set up Gandhi Smruti Bhawan in memory of Bapu, it is in a miserable condition.
“It would be an honour for the Father of the Nation if the state or the Centre comes forward to accord national memorial status to the place,” said Gandhi memorial committee member Prashant Kumar Mohanty.
The committee would hold a programme after three days to recall Gandhiji’s visit to the region, but the members face financial constraints for the celebration.
“Charibatia is a sign of pride for the entire district and the government should accord national memorial status to the place,” said sarpanch Prafulla Kumar Palita. PNN