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Sambalpur/Cuttack: A host of events were organised in several places across Odisha today to celebrate the birth anniversaries of iconic leaders and freedom fighters Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Veer Surendra Sai.
Various programmes were organised at Janakinath Bhawan, Netaji’s birthplace-turned museum in Odia Bazar area of Cuttack to mark his 122nd birth anniversary.
The celebrations at the Museum began early, at around 4.30 am with the playing of the Ram Dhun. Later in the day, Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal offered floral tributes to the leader. He also went around the galleries of the museum and visited the room where Netaji was born. A yajna was also performed at the same room.
The museum, which was thrown open to public for free of cost today, was packed with visitors who paid floral tributes to the firebrand leader. Paintings and sand sculptures dedicated to Bose were displayed at the museum.
On the other hand, Surendra Sai’s birth anniversary was observed in his native village Khinda in Sambalpur district. People from all walks of life including politicians, bureaucrats, students and common mass visited Khinda and paid homage to the Odia freedom fighter.
“Veer Surendra Sai had started the movement to free India from the British, thirty years before the Sepoy Mutiny. His principles will always inspire the youths,” said Sambalpur MLA Raseswari Panigrahi after garlanding the statue of Sai at Khinda.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and former MP Baijayant Panda took to Twitter to pay tributes to the two freedom fighters.
Describing Bose as the son of the soil, the Chief Minister said Netaji's strong morale, distinct ideology and spirit of sacrifice for the country will continue to inspire the people. He said Surendra Sai will always be remembered for his rebellion against the British.
“My humble, heartfelt tribute on their birth anniversary to both. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose & Veer Surendra Sai- Two of India's greatest sons, revolutionaries & freedom fighters. Born in Odisha, the former in Cuttack, the latter in Sambalpur, they rocked the foundations of the Raj,” tweeted Jay Panda.
Similarly, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Niranjan Patnaik garlanded the statue of Bose and Sai at Congress Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. “I wish the sacrifice and love of Veer Surendra Sai for Odisha inspires the youths of the State,” said Patnaik.
