BY FILMS DIVISION, MINSTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

The Contribution of Orissa in Freedom Movement is remarkable and significant, when none of the States dared to revolt against the forceful and overpowering Britishers. Baxi Jagabandhu, the Chief Commander of the King of Khurda, led the uprising known as the ‘Paika Rebellion’ in 1817. When the Indian Rebellion broke out in 1857, Vir Surendra Sai of Sambalpur continued his relentless struggle and resistance for years. The clarion call of the Rani of Jhansi echoed throughout the length and breadth of India. Chakhi Khuntia, the temple high priest of Lord Jagannath, joined the mighty queen in the war for freedom. Tribal revolution spread like wild fire in Singhbum, Keonjhar and Balasore led by their leader, Birsa Munda.

Prior to the formation of National Congress in 1885, the ‘Utkal Sabha’ was established in 1882, with the Nationalists as its members, who instilled the spirit of Nationalism among the masses. Intellectuals and Patriots like Gopabandhu Das left no stone unturned in their vigorous fervour to liberate the country from the clutches of the Britishers. The literary geniuses, on their part, created miracles with their pens and invoked patriotism.

Gandhiji arrived in Orissa in 1921, armed with his ‘Satyagraha’ and non-violence policies which further helped the freedom movement to rally forward. The people of Orissa were mesmerized by his honest and non-violent approach. Even women like Rama Devi and Malati Devi among others, championed the cause of liberation.

The active public participation in Bapuji’s ‘Salt Movement’ became a constant source of stress and threat to the British administration. It was only after the gruelling and prolonged throes of struggle and efforts that the British had to ultimately concede and quit India. The long, arduous cherished dream finally took shape and became a reality on 15th August 1947.

A lamp burns eternally in the memory of those brave hearts, who sacrificed their present for a free and librated future.