Bhubaneswar: The 129th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the 217th birth anniversary of legendary freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai was observed at the Odisha Legislative Assembly premises on Friday, by paying rich tributes to two towering icons of India’s freedom struggle.
Remembering Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, speakers recalled his unmatched role as a revolutionary leader, social reformer and symbol of courage and compassion. Widely regarded as a yugapurusha—a man born to shape his era—Netaji’s leadership continues to inspire generations. The gathering also recalled Rabindranath Tagore’s historic tribute to Bose at Santiniketan in 1937, when the Nobel laureate poet declared, “I, a poet of Bengal, anoint you as the leader of the nation.”
The occasion also honoured Veer Surendra Sai, one of Odisha’s greatest freedom fighters, born on January 23, 1809, in Bargan (Khinda) village near Sambalpur. A scion of the Chauhan royal family, Surendra Sai ignited resistance against British rule in western Odisha as early as 1827. His sustained guerrilla warfare, strategic brilliance, patience and indomitable courage posed a formidable challenge to colonial forces, forcing the British to eventually concede defeat. His heroic saga remains etched in golden letters in the history of Odisha.
The commemorative program was held at the premises of the Legislative Assembly in the presence of Speaker Surama Padhi, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Government Chief Whip Gobind Chandra Das, MLA Babu Singh, former Minister Arvind Dhali, and Director of the Research Wing Tribikram Pradhan, among others. The dignitaries offered floral tributes at the statues of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Veer Surendra Sai.
On the occasion, a booklet on the life and legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, published by the Research Wing of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, was formally unveiled.
Adding a cultural dimension to the tribute, Saswati Social and Cultural Organization presented patriotic songs, evoking the spirit of nationalism. The program was conducted by Rojalin Sahu.
