BHUBANESHWAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday felicitated kin of 16 freedom fighters from Odisha who had waged an uprising against the British. He also felicitated the kin of Paika warriors at the event held at Odisha Raj Bhavan.
The Paikas were the traditional landed militia of Odisha, and in 1817 the Paika's of Khurda and other parts of the State had raised a strong voice and waged a war against the British rule.
PM Modi said the Indian independence struggle was essentially a mass movement but unfortunately, has been confined to a few people and factors. Describing the freedom struggle as “jan-jan ka andolan,” Modi said the movement abounded in stories of great sacrifices and dedication.
“This saga of sacrifice continued for 700 to 800 years but unfortunately it has been confined to a few families, historical events and time spans,” he said, adding that it is imperative for a self-respecting country like India to reminisce all episodes of history.
The Prime minister stressed on the significance of history, stating that it inspires a society to fulfills its dreams. The endeavour must always be to go above history, and not go down, he said.
Narendra Modi made a special mention to tribal India’s contribution, which led the uprising against the British rule. The indigenous communities had started rebellion against the colonial rule about 250 years ago and their contribution to the Indian freedom struggle remains “unparalleled," he said.
To recognise their supreme sacrifice and contribution to the Indian independence movement, the government of India will set up virtual museums at 50 prominent places across the country. These museums will be very important for the new generation, he added.
“Let the new generation understand and live the sacrifices of these communities which live in jungles and without basic amenities,” the PM said adding, many such tribal leaders of Odisha were sent to the gallows while hundreds were imprisoned.
He also sought blessings of the martyr’s kin and said when India celebrates its 75th year of independence in 2022, their contribution would be recognised.
Later Modi tweeted that “India will never forget these courageous freedom fighters, who lost their lives so that fellow Indians can breathe the air of freedom.”
On the occasion, Narendra Modi felicitated Dayananda Mohapatra, a descendant of famous Paika warrior Jayee Rajguru, Subhalaxmi Devi Mohapatra, Baxi Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra and Upsanana Mohapatra, all descendants of legendary Baxi Jagabandhu, Mukunda Nayak, kin of martyr Laxman Nayak, Lal Birendra Sai, descendant of Veer Surendra Sai, Hajuri Bhimsen Khuntia of Chakhi Khuntia, Jogeswar Majhi, kin of Rendo Majhi, Bichitrananda Routray, kin of Samant Madhab Chandra Routray, Prafulla Bahubelndra, descendant of Pindiki Bahubelendra, Prafulla Pattasani, kin of Kruttibas Pattasani, Hatanath Mangaraj, kin of Dama Subuddhu Mangaraj, Netaji Bisoyee, descendant of Chakra Bisoyee, Ranjit Singh Bariha, kin of Madho Singh, Dipti Kumar Mohanty, kin of Raghunath Mohanty, Bikram Prasad Parida, kin of Dibakar Parida, Surendra Panda, kin of Laxmi Indira Panda and Manavendra Maharatha, descendant of Dinabandhu Samantaray Mohapatra.