Bhubaneswar: The Saheed Minar at Papadahandi stands as a lasting symbol of patriotism and national pride, former minister Aravind Dhali said on Monday, recalling the sacrifices of tribal freedom fighters who laid down their lives during the freedom movement.
Speaking at the state-level Self-Sacrifice Day (Atmauttsarga Divas) ceremony organised at Jayadev Bhawan here by the Information and Public Relations Department in association with Shabari Cultural Parishad, Dhali said the repressive actions of the British against innocent tribal people had left a dark chapter in the history of the freedom struggle.
He said the Quit India Movement had found a strong resonance in Papadahandi and stressed that the country’s independence was built on the sacrifices of freedom fighters. The people of the country are enjoying the fruits of independence because of their courage and self-sacrifice, he said.
Chief speaker and litterateur-social worker Brundabati Sahu said the firing on the banks of the Turi river at Papadahandi was significant from several historical perspectives. Nineteen freedom fighters were martyred in the British firing, she said, adding that Papadahandi came to be known as “Raktatirtha Papadahandi” because of the bloodshed.
Sahu called for greater research into the Papadahandi struggle and highlighted various aspects of the historic episode and the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters.
In her welcome address, Joint Director of the Information and Public Relations Department Sucheta Priyadarshini said India’s independence was achieved through the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters. The contribution of ordinary people from tribal-dominated areas such as Nabarangpur would continue to inspire generations to come, she said.
Shabari Sanskrutika Parishad member Hriday Ranjan Shatapathy proposed the vote of thanks, while Information Officer Rosalin Sahu coordinated the programme.
Several officials of the Information and Public Relations Department, Shabari Cultural Parishad secretary Nilamadhab Dash and its members, besides a large number of intellectuals, attended the event.
