Modi honours sacrifice of freedom fighters

Modi honours sacrifice of freedom fighters

BHUBANESWAR:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the Indian Independence struggle was essentially a movement of the masses but unfortunately(दुर्भाग्य से) , it has been confined(सिमित) to a few families, historical events and certain time span. describing the freedom struggle as 'jan-jan ka andolan', Modi said the movement abounded(पर्याप्त) in stories of great sacrifices (बलिदान) and dedication(निष्ठा).

''This saga of sacrifice continued for 700 to 800 years but unfortunately, it has been confined to a few families, historical events and time span,'' he said and added that it is imperative for a self-respecting country like India to reminisce all episodes of history.

Modi was speaking at Odisha Raj Bhawan during felicitation of family members of 16 freedom fighters of the State who had waged an uprising against the British. Kin of the brave Paika warriors were also part of the felicitation function. The PM 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.

Modi made a special mention of contribution of tribal India which led the uprising against 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 the supreme sacrifice and contribution of tribal communities to Indian Independence movement, Government of India has come up with a scheme under which virtual museums will be set up at 50 prominent places across the country. These museums will be very important for the new generation, he said.

''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 kin of the martyrs and said when India celebrates 75th year of its 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, the PM felicitated Dayananda Mohapatra, a descendant of famous Paika warror 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 Bahubalendra, descendant of Pindiki Bahubalendra, 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.