Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday condoled the passing away of Odisha’s centenarian freedom fighter Mohammad Baji in Nabarangpur. He was 103.
Describing him as a true Gandhian, the chief minister said the country has lost one of its foremost freedom fighters and true sons of the soil.
Bazi was laid to rest with full state honours. Born on January 28, 1917, he had joined the Congress in 1931, deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. He was a symbol of universal brotherhood.
In his condolence message, Naveen said Mohammad Baji was a leading freedom fighter in India’s struggle for Independence and had the opportunity to be closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi.
“Bazi was inspired by Gandhi’s life and philosophy and established the Gandhi Ashram in Bijapur at Nabarangpur. He devoted his life to public service,” Naveen said. “His selfless struggle for the cause of tribals endeared him to one and all.”
