Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday felicitated family members of freedom fighters, who had participated in 1817 Paika rebellion in Orissa against the British rule, at Raj Bhawan here in the presence of Governor SC Jamir.
Family members of Jayee Rajguru, Buxi Jagabandhu, Samant Madhab Chandra Routray, Pindiki Bahubalendra, Krutibas Patsani, Dama Subuddhi Mangaraj, Chakra Bisoyee, Rendo Majhi, Veer Surendra Sai, Chakhi Khuntia, Madho Singh, Raghunath Mohanty, Dibakar Parida, Laxman Nayak, Laxmi Indira Panda and Dinabandhu Samantray Mohapatra were feted by the PM.
On the occasion, the PM asked Upasana, the great granddaughter of Buxi Jagabandhu and daughter of Lulu Mohapatra, “Kya padhai ho rahi hai beti.” Upasana was all happy to listen this from Modi and spoke about her career and studies in Mumbai. It was a rare experience for the little girl when Modi addressed her as ‘Beti’.
Addressing the gathering Modi said Orissa played a key role in India’s freedom struggle. “It is a proud moment for me to remember the sacrifices made by the martyrs,” said Modi. He termed the Paika rebellion as one of the major historical events of the freedom struggle.
“Unfortunately, the long years of freedom movement was confined to a few persons and for a specific period. We should recall the events and contribution of everyone who participated in the freedom struggle,” Modi said, adding, Orissa secured the top position insofar as freedom struggle is concerned.
Remembering the role of tribals in the war of independence, Modi said in order to recreate and remember their contributions, steps were being taken to set up virtual museums at 50 places across the country. “As several events took place for many years during the freedom struggle, it is important to remember all such events,” he added.
It is important to remember and know about the lives of those who made supreme sacrifices for the country, the prime minister said after honouring the kin of the freedom fighters with shawls and citations.
The PM also made a series of twits describing the contribution of the freedom fighters. “Veer Surendra Sai battled the British 1830s onwards & his struggles continued up till 1864 when we was arrested again and died in prison,” he twitted.
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