JAJPUR,27/08(PPT):The history of Odisha’s freedom struggle would remain incomplete without the contribution of Bari, said Bari MLA Bishwaranjan Mallik while paying tribute to four freedom fighters who laid down their lives in the fight against British rule.
An 84th memorial meeting was organised at the martyr memorial site at Kalamatiya in Bari block of Jajpur district to commemorate the sacrifice of Saunti Mallik, Sananda Swain, Hadibandhu Panda and Mayadhar Bhuyan. The programme was jointly organised by the Shahid Smruti Charitable Trust and the Culture Department of the Odisha Government.
The meeting was presided over by Professor Deba Prasad Samal. MLA Bishwaranjan Mallik attended as the chief guest, while Mihir Pratap Das was the chief speaker. Sarat Chandra Ray, Zilla Parishad member Santosh Kumar Samal, Dilip Kumar Mohanty and Ashok Kumar Samal were among those present.
Addressing the gathering, Mallik said the sacrifices made by the martyrs of Bari were a matter of pride not only for Odisha but for the entire country. He said Bari was a land of struggle, literature and culture, and urged people to preserve the memory of its freedom fighters for future generations.
The speakers recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s association with the region during his visits to Odisha. Gandhi had travelled from Kendrapada towards the Jajpur region through Kalamatiya, and his visits helped inspire patriotic sentiment and the emergence of several freedom fighters in the area.
Recalling the four martyrs who were killed while opposing British rule on the occasion of Gamha Purnima, MLA Mallik called upon people to keep their memories alive and observe their sacrifice with due honour.
The speakers also stressed the need for collective efforts and constructive suggestions for the development of Bari, describing it as a region rich in literary, cultural and historical heritage.
During the programme, five persons—Janmejaya Sahu, Ranjit Kumar Jena, Anjana Dhal, Subhrakant Malik and Bidusmita Swain—were felicitated for their notable contributions in various fields.
Trust president Sukadeb Parida conducted the proceedings.