Bhubaneswar: In order to develop the birthplace of Odisha’s legendary freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai at Khinda in Sambalpur district as a tourist destination, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has sanctioned Rs 6.41 crore.
According to a release of Chief Minister’s Office on Saturday, 5T secretary VK Pandian visited Khinda and held discussion with the locals regarding its development. After Pandian apprised the chief minister of the people’s wish to develop the place, Naveen held a meeting with senior officers and approved “Development of Vir Surendra Sai Birth Place at Khinda, Samabalpur” project.
Under the project, a memorial hall will be constructed, and a statue of Surendra Sai installed in an area of 1.94 acre at Khinda. The state government will also renovate the existing museum and library there. Besides, landscaping and proper lighting of the place will be made. A meeting hall will also be developed under the project.
The chief minister said the birthplace of Surendra Sai is a holy place for every Odia. The great freedom fighter will always remain a source of inspiration for patriotism and nationalism for the youths of Odisha, he added.
Born in 1809, Sai had fought against the British rule in India. He was captured and imprisoned at Asirgarh hill fort, now located in Madhya Pradesh. He died inside the jail in 1884.
