Bhubaneswar: A function to commemorate the birth anniversary of Odisha’s freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai was held on the premises of the Consulate General of India, Dubai.
Rich tributes were paid to the revolutionary leader on his 215th birth anniversary by the community members at the symbolic function, which also commemorated Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s 126th birth anniversary being celebrated as ‘Parakram Diwas’, on Monday.
Speaking about the two stalwarts of the Indian freedom struggle, the Consul General of India, Dubai, Aman Puri said that they epitomized courage and patriotism. “Veer Surendra Sai is an iconic hero and today is an opportunity to learn more about his life. The nation paid tribute to him by naming Jharsuguda airport in western Odisha after him,” he said.
A video on Veer Surendra Sai’s life was also played at the gathering.
Non-resident Odia and community elder Captain Soumya Ranjan Patnaik said that Veer Surendra Sai continued to inspire millions of Odias across the globe with his valour and bravery. He also spoke about his first revolt at the age of 18 and his participation in the sepoy mutiny of 1857.
Another non-resident Odia, Priyadarshee Panigrahi, this was the first time that a function to commemorate Veer Surendra Sai’s birth anniversary is being held at a diplomatic mission. “Surendra Sai’s 37 years of imprisonment (in two phases of 17 and 20 years) was probably the longest for any freedom fighter. A lot more needs to be done to propagate his legacy,” Panigrahi added.
The gathering also decided to request the Odisha government for an official/formal documentary on Veer Surendra Sai’s life.
