Dharmendra Writes To MP CM For Installation Of Veer Surendra Sai’s Statue In Asirgarh Fort

Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has appealed to Madhya Pradesh government to set up a memorial of Odisha’s legendary freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai at Asirgarh fort.

In a letter to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday, Pradhan said Surendra Sai holds a special place in Odisha history for his contribution and sacrifice during freedom struggle.

Sai along with local zamindars and tribal communities had revolted against the British rule in 1849. They fought against the Britishers through guerrilla warfare from 1857 to 1862.

Sai, his son Mitrabhanu and three brothers, Udanta, Dhrub and Medini, were jailed at Asirgarh fort after the Britishers crushed the 1957 revolt.

Sai spent at least 37 years in the prison before his death on February 28, 1884. Sai’s brother Udanta spent around 47 years in the jail and he died in 1894.

Stating that he had received several petitions from Surendra Sai Statue Installation Committee and Odisha Sanskrutika Samaj, Sambalpur, Pradhan said installation of a statue of Surendra Sai riding a horse at Asirgarh fort would be befitting tribute to him.

“On behalf of the people of Odisha, I request you to look into the matter and take steps for installation of a memorial and statue of Veer Surendra Sai at Asirgarh fort,” Pradhan wrote in the letter.