Bhubaneswar: The 76th anniversary of Kranti Diwas was observed at the State Archives here Thursday. The programme was attended by Padmashree awardee freedom fighter Bhawani Patnaik and, freedom fighters Sasidhar Mishra and Dadhichi Sahu from Kaipada.
It may be mentioned here that the day is observed to remember the historic ‘Quit India Movement’ led by Mahatma Gandhi whose slogan ‘Do or Die’ enthused millions with confidence to fight against the British.
On the occasion, a special photo exhibition was inaugurated by Bhawani Patnaik and a seminar was also held.
In the seminar, Patnaik deliberated on the importance of the day and urged the audience to not let the spirit of ‘Quit India Movement’ “fizzle out”.
“It’s time to raise our voices against social evils for which the Kranti Diwas need to be celebrated. India is going to celebrate its 72nd Independence Day, but even after 72 years of independence do our women and girl child feel liberated?,” he questioned.
Sasidhar Mishra and Dadhichi Sahu, both stressed on the need to revolt against intolerance and social evils. The freedom fighter duo described its association with the ‘Quit India Movement’ and urged the modern day youth to be committed to their motherland.
Manoranjan Panigrahi, Commissioner-cum-Secretary in Odia Language, Literature and Cultural Department, in his speech said, “It’s high time that the policy of Quit India Movement should be put into praxis to ward off social ills.”
“Just ban or boycott anything that troubles the society and the citizens,” he added.
Among others Director of Odia Language and Literature department Bijay Kumar Nayak, Utkal University Chancellor Kamalkanta Mishra and Superintendent of State Archive Suchismita Mantry were also present at the event.