Jharsuguda: Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled a life-size statue of legendary freedom fighter and martyr Veer Surendra Sai in front of the VSS Airport in the district on his birth anniversary on Saturday.
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi also joined the inaugural ceremony in virtual mode. Among other dignitaries State Health Minister Naba Kishore Das, Bargarh MP Suresh Pujari, Jharsuguda airport director Kishore Senapati and Collector Saroj Kumar Samal graced the occasion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the airport on September 22, 2018 following which the State Government named the airport after Veer Surendra Sai.
“From then, efforts were on to install a life-size statue of Sai in the airport complex and it has been materialised today. It’s a great occasion for the people of Jharsuguda and the State,” said Senapati.
Pujari said that the statute will act as a lighthouse and source of inspiration to motivate one and all to dedicate them to the service of our nation.
“The passengers landing here will now be able to know well about the great freedom fighter who had made a supreme sacrifice for the motherland,” he said.
The whole State including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal also paid rich tributes to Sai on his birth anniversary.
“Veer SurendraSai’s heroism and sacrifice in the fight against the British in Sambalpur to protect the interests of the tribals and the general public will always be remembered,” said Patnaik.
(Edited by Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty)