Union ministers pay tribute to freedom fighters of Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Aug 17 (PTI) As part of the BJP’s "70Saal Azadi – Zara Yaad Karo Kurbani" programme, two Unionministers today paid tributes to two prominent freedomfighters of Odisha in separate districts. While Tribal Affairs Jual Oram paid tribute to VeerSurendra Sai at Khinda in Sambalpur district, Consumer AffairsMinister Chhotu Ram Chaudhary visited the birthplace of martyrBaji Rout in Dhenkanal district. Rout had been the teenage boatman who laid down hislife for the cause of India’s independence. Union Telecommunications Minister Manoj Sinha willvisit the native place of Chandan Hajuri, popularly known asChakhi Khuntia, at Puri on August 20. Addressing a gathering, Oram said that efforts wouldbe made to install a statue of Veer Surendra Sai in thepremises of Parliament. Oram said the new generation is notaware about the history of Independence and patriotism is onthe wane among the new generation. The objective of the programme is to make the newgeneration aware about the heroes of freedom struggle andtheir sacrifice, Oram said. He also appealed the district functionaries of BJP toorganise such programmes at town and block level. He saidsteps would be taken for development of birth place of VeerSurendra Sai. PTI COR AAM NNUZM