Chandrabhaga(CB)

In the scorching heat of a summer day, I embarked on a journey to the quaint village of Eram nestled within the Bhadrak district of Odisha. Eram, a place of historical significance, was not only known for its serene beauty but also for its pivotal role in the Indian Independence movement.

As I approached the village, I couldn’t help but marvel at its picturesque surroundings. Eram was shrouded by the Bay of Bengal on one side and two meandering rivers, Gamoi and Kansbans, on the other. Thick jungles encircled the village, creating an aura of peaceful seclusion that transported me back in time.

The village had once been a clandestine sanctuary for Utkal Congress meetings, where eminent leaders like Gopabandhu Das and Harekrushna Mahatab convened to discuss the strategies of the Quit India Movement and other freedom struggles. The echoes of their impassioned speeches seemed to reverberate through the lush greenery that now embraced the land.

On a fateful day in September 1942, a gathering of determined souls had congregated in Eram’s Melana ground. Their intent was clear: to protest against the oppressive British Raj and to chart a course of action for the impending fight. Kamala Prasad Kar led the crowd of around 5000 individuals, all united by a common purpose.

However, as history often reminds us, the path to freedom was not without its sacrifices. The tranquility of Eram’s surroundings was shattered by the ominous footsteps of the police force from Basudebpur, led by DSP Kunjabihari Mohanty. Just as General Dyer had done in Jallianwala Bagh, DSP Kunjabihari Mohanty gave the orders to open fire on the peaceful gathering. The echoes of gunfire replaced the once-ringing speeches of hope and resistance.

In a matter of minutes, the tranquil grounds of Eram Melana turned into a scene of horror. The very place that had borne witness to inspiring meetings now witnessed a brutal massacre. The crowd, whose only crime was seeking a better future for their nation, fell victim to the bullets of oppression. The shots fired numbered 304, leaving 29 souls lifeless and 56 wounded. Among the fallen was a lone woman, Pari Bewa, who would forever be etched into the annals of history as Odisha’s only lady martyr.

As I walked through the somber grounds of Eram, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of reverence for the sacrifices that had been made on this soil. The stories of courage, resilience, and unwavering determination whispered through the rustling leaves, reminding me of the immense price that had been paid for the freedom we enjoy today.

Eram, with its serene beauty and poignant history, stood as a testimony to the indomitable spirit of those who had dared to dream of a free and sovereign nation. The summer breeze carried with it a sense of solemnity, urging me to remember the sacrifices of the past and to honour the legacy of those who had fought for the dawn of a new era.

Written by Bibekananda Mishra, 3rd  Year

INTRODUCTION :

Travelling not only allows us to immerse ourselves in new cultures and landscapes but also provides an opportunity to connect with the rich history of a place. One such captivating experience involves visiting a destination that played a pivotal role in the freedom struggle of a country. This article recounts the travel experiences and reflections from a visit to a place associated with the memories of India’s freedom struggle.

DESTINATION- Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar

As I stepped into Jallianwala Bagh, a profound sense of history enveloped me. The site, located in the heart of Amritsar, Punjab, stands as a reminder of one of the darkest chapters in Indian history – the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919. With every step, I could feel the echoes of the past resonating within those walls.

The garden, once a place of solace and gathering, witnessed an unimaginable tragedy on April 13, 1919. The British colonial forces deliberately opened fire on a peaceful gathering of thousands of Indians who had assembled to protest the draconian Rowlett Act. The bullet marks on the walls, now preserved as a haunting memorial, serve as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom.

As I walked through the narrow entrance that led to the main area of the garden, I couldn’t help but imagine the horrifying scene that unfolded more than a century ago. The well, where many people jumped to escape the relentless gunfire, stood as a symbol of the desperation and courage of those freedom fighters.

Strolling along the pathways, I noticed plaques and inscriptions commemorating the brave souls who lost their lives on that fateful day. Each name represented an individual who had dreamed of a free India and had vowed to fight for it. The memorial sculpture, depicting men, women, and children in various states of anguish, stood as a testament to the resilience and spirit of those who refused to be silenced.

Sitting on one of the benches, I closed my eyes, trying to comprehend the immense pain and sorrow that emanated from this historical site. The cries of the innocent victims still echoed in the air, reminding me of the sacrifices made by countless individuals who had laid down their lives for the cause of freedom.

As I left Jallianwala Bagh, I carried with me not only a profound sense of sadness but also a deep appreciation for the freedom we enjoy today. The visit had instilled in me a renewed determination to safeguard our hard-earned independence and to honor the memories of those who fought selflessly for our nation’s future.

CONCLUSION:

Visiting a place that holds memories of the freedom struggle is an experience that transcends time. It allows us to connect with the past, empathize with the sacrifices made, and truly understand the magnitude of the struggle our ancestors endured. The visit to Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar was a poignant reminder of the price paid for our freedom. It reinforced the importance of preserving our history and cherishing the values that led to the birth of an independent India. By reflecting on these experiences, we can ensure that the lessons and sacrifices of the past continue to inspire us towards a brighter and more inclusive future.

Written by Bibekananda Mishra, 3rd  Year

Every Odia who knows the struggle behind formation of Swatantra Odisha. Pradesh and its contribution to national freedom struggle very well knows about Utkal Mani Pandit Gopabandhu Das.

Recently I had got the opportunity to have a go to the birthplace of Utkal Mani, i.e., the village of Suendo. Having visited this area couple of years ago, this time it was a very refreshing experience for me. After the recent development under 5T initiative of Odisha govt, there has been complete revamp and beautification of the village.Irrespective of the changes or development, the Saga of Suando behind the effort for Independence remains same.

Suando situated on the bank of river Bhargavi falls panchayat of Dasvidyadharpur of Satyabadi block in the district of Puri. Along with Suando, Satyabadi has its fair share behind Independence struggle, from where the great Leaders “Pancha Sakhas had their participation Still today in the Suando village there is the native house of Gopabandhu Das where he was born (Entudishala). The ancestral house contains living rooms, courtyard and kitchen room. and having earthen chullahs, which are well connected to the struggle of freedom. There is sweet smell of the hardest struggle and the feeling for sovereignty in every particle. The walls covered with earth characterised by drawing of ‘jhoti’resembels about its true Odia patronage.

Thereafter I visited the Utkalmani’s memorial museum situated at the end of the Village The museum attributes to every story that Gopabandhu Das incarnates for the Motherland. In the compound there is a huge 15 ft.  statue of Gopabandhu Das surrounded by scenic. beautiful garden. The museum building constitutes of different parts showing the efforts of Pandit ji from social, judicial, educational and Independence point of view. There are various statues of Utkalmani in different positions compounding from the day of imprisonment in jail, to the moment of writing of prose and poetries. There is also the moment of Pandit ji’s support to judicial victims and teaching to young one under the banyan tree.

The museum also has the boat used by Gopabandhu to help people during flood times. It contains various portraits showing about Utkalmani’s free spirit of helping to poor peoples and struggle for freedom movement. The Village also comprises of a big pong and shiva temple connected. as line of past to freedom struggle memories.

Written by Bibekananda Mishra, 3rd  Year

BARA BAKHARA CAVES:A Hidden home for Veer Surendra Sai

Bara Barkhra caves are associated with our Indian history of Independence where Odisha’s pride, our freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai was hidden and fought with Britishers for Independence. While Surendra Sai and his followers were taking refuge at various places during the freedom struggle, Barabkhara was one of the safest places  for the rebels during the war. The revolutionaries were holding meetings besides making the strategies of the battle against the British at the cave

My experience:I am living in Bargarh dist. Of Odisha.In this winter break(25.12.22-5.1.23) I have been visited to BaraBakhara with my family members.It is around 47 km from Bargarh town.When  we enter we saw two waterfall .We went on a trip to the place where our freedom fighter and revolutionary Veer Surendra Sai was hidden while fighting with Britishers for our land and Independence, it’s Barabakhara waterfall and Caves and is located in the Ambavhana block of Bargarh District, Barapahad hill range. It’s the best place for a picnic and to enjoy nature and photography. Bara Barkhra caves are associated with our Indian history of Independence where Odisha’s pride, our freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai was hidden and fought with Britishers for Independence.We enjoy a lot there,we cook food ,play in waterfall,click photos,enjoy the nature beauty.The guide introduce us to the place where Veer Surendra Sai hide himself from Britishers.

We than visit the Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary,where freedom fighters used to travel by horse.fact not known to many, the Debrigarh Sanctuary has played an important role in Western Odisha’s revolution against British invasion under the leadership of Veer Surendra Sai during 1830’s to 1860’s. During the period he took refuge here, he constructed chain of hill forts with stone and mud at the top of Debrigarh hills, along the principal roads connecting Sambalpur with Raipur, Ranchi and Cuttack. The forts were constructed in and around Debrigarh Sanctuary and its contiguous Barapahada hill range which stretches from Western Odisha along Hirakud Reservoir upto Singhoda of Chhatisgarh. And it was because of all the contribution of Sai for this place, more than 100 villages of Ambabhona block at Bargarh District, surrounding Barabakhra have continued to protect and conserve Debrigarh Sanctuary out of their sheer devotion towards Veer Surendra Sai.

My experience:We went by Bolero,first an elephant welcome us,than we went deep into the Sanctuary ,we see deer,mojitor lizard,sloth bear, chameleon,one leopard and Sambar.It isis a great experience with nature, biodiversity and ecosystem.

Divisional forest officer (DFO), Hirakud Wildlife Division, Anshu Pragyan Das said, “Because of the historic association of Surendra Sai with Debrigarh, the inhabitants around Barabakhra have a unique devotion towards him even today. To encourage them further to conserve the forest and wildlife in the coming days and to make people aware of Sai’s contribution, we have come up with the Memorial. She further said, “The pictorial representation of the major incidents besides war stories of the legendary freedom fighter in sequence will be depicted through the sculptures. A group of local artists are working on sculptures under the supervision of the local Eco-Development Committee. The work will be completed in around a month. We return home at evening with a great historical, ecological, environmental and diversified experience.

Written by – Ipsita Sahu, B.sc Ag 4th Year

As I stood in front of the modest house in Satyabhamapur, Odisha, a wave of reverence washed over me. This was the residence of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, a towering figure in the Indian freedom struggle and a symbol of selfless service and dedication to the cause of the nation.

The house, though simple, held within its walls the echoes of a revolutionary spirit that once resided here. Gopabandhu Das, often referred to as the “Utkalmani” or “Gem of Odisha,” had spent his life tirelessly working for the betterment of his fellow countrymen and for India’s freedom.

Stepping inside, I could almost feel the presence of Gopabandhu Das, the visionary leader and social reformer. The walls adorned with photographs and memorabilia told the story of his life’s journey – from his early days as a brilliant student to his transformation into a staunch nationalist and philanthropist.

In one corner of the room, there was a desk with a typewriter, reminiscent of Gopabandhu Das’ dedication to journalism and his role in establishing the newspaper “The Samaja.” It was through this medium that he not only disseminated information but also spread the ideals of patriotism and social justice.

As I moved through the rooms, I came across letters and documents that showcased his tireless efforts to uplift the marginalized and downtrodden sections of society. His belief in education as a means of empowerment was evident from the books and educational materials strewn across his study.

The courtyard outside seemed to hold its own stories. It was said that this was where Gopabandhu Das often met with his compatriots, engaging in fervent discussions about the state of the nation and the path to freedom. The very air seemed to carry the echoes of their passionate debates.

Leaving the residence, I couldn’t help but reflect on the profound impact of Gopabandhu Das’ contributions. His dedication to social justice, education, and the cause of Indian independence had left an indelible mark on Odisha’s history and the nation as a whole. This visit had not only deepened my understanding of his legacy but also reaffirmed the idea that the struggle for freedom was not confined to grand battlefields but was fought in the hearts and homes of individuals like Gopabandhu Das.

Written by – Soham Das, B.Tech Aerospace