Bhubaneswar: Paying rich tribute to Odisha’s freedom fighter Parbati Giri, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said her inspiring life will continue to guide every generation.
During the129th edition of his radio programme ‘Mann ki Baat’, the Prime Minister said that as the country prepares to celebrate its 77th Republic Day next month, it is important to remember the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and the architects of the Constitution.
Modi said India’s struggle for independence saw contributions from every part of the country, but many heroes, including several women, did not receive the recognition they deserved.
Remembering Parbati Giri’s role, the Prime Minister said that she joined the Quit India Movement at the young age of 16, showing remarkable courage and commitment to the freedom struggle. Her birth centenary will be observed in January, 2026, he said
Modi also referred to Giri’s life after Independence, and said that she devoted herself to social service and tribal welfare. She set up several orphanages and worked tirelessly for the upliftment of marginalised communities.
“I pay my tribute to Parbati Giri … after the independence movement, Parbati Giri ji dedicated her life to social service and tribal welfare. She established several orphanages. Her inspiring life will continue to guide every generation,” the PM said.
Describing Parbati Giri’s life as highly inspiring, PM Modi said her dedication and service would continue to guide future generations. He concluded by paying his heartfelt tribute to the freedom fighter from Odisha.
It may be recalled that Parbati, who is often described as Mother Teresa of Odisha, was born on January 19, 1926, in Samlaipadar village near Bijepur block of Bargarh district. Inspired by her uncle Ramchandra Giri’s work, she dropped out of school after class three and started campaigning for Congress. During her young age, Parbati went to Bari Ashram, and took lessons in handicrafts, philosophy of non-violence and self-reliance. By the year 1940, she became a part of several campaigns and travelled to various places, including Sambalpur and villages in Bargarh like Padampur and Ghens, for Congress. During her expedition, she taught the villagers how to spin and weave khadi.
Parbati was one of the front liners in the 1942’s Mahatma Gandhi-led ‘Quit India’ Movement and was arrested several times. As she was just 16 years old then, the cops had to release her. However, she later served two years’ rigorous imprisonment at Sambalpur Jail under charges of invading the Sub Divisional Officer’s (SDO) office at Bargarh.
After independence, Parbati went to Allahabad’s Prayag Mahila Vidyapitha in 1950 to complete her schooling. Her service to the nation continued with several social works that she kept volunteering for every now and then. She had teamed up with Rama Devi in her relief work.
She founded an orphanage at Bargaon’s Paikamal village and worked for the welfare of several orphans. She also worked for the eradication of leprosy and also jail improvement.
