New Delhi: Glowing tribute was paid to the youngest Martyr of India’s freedom struggle Baji Rout during an International Webinar organized in his honour. Hosted by English Monthly Utkal Bharatee in association with World Odisha Society and ART India Foundation,the online memorial meeting commemorated the 88th martyrdom day of late lamented child prodigy from Odisha. Hundreds of Eminent intellectuals, leading NROs, representatives of Odia Samaj in different countries, members and office bearers of World Odisha Society, University teachers and students attended the virtual event. Delivering welcome address the host and Founder Editor of Utkal Bharatee, Dr Nirmal Pattnaik demanded building up of a befitting memorial of Baji Rout in National Capital.
Recounting the harrowing sacrifice of the 12- year- old Odia Boat boy by receiving bullets from British forces at point-blank range for his refusal to ferry them in his boat, the distinguished Guests offered rich homage to valiant Baji Rout. Describing Baji Rout as epitome of patriotism, Director and Secretary of International Indecency Prevention Movement (IIPM) Dr Arundhati Debi appealed the present generation Z to emulate his dedication and devotion to our motherland. Secretary of Sree Neelachala Seva Sangha Ravi Pradhan said that Baji Rout’s uncommon and incomparable courage and conviction must find place in golden letters in the pages of Indian History. Chairman of World Odisha Society Kishore Dwibedi observed that Baji Rout’s ideal life and noble philosophy shall continue to inspire the youths of our country for several generations to come. Calling Baji Rout as true National Hero Ollywood Star Debasish Patra suggested to make a film on his life and history. President of ART India Foundation and Professor of History in Delhi University Dr Shantanu Kumar Das narrated in details the Praja – Mandal Movement and sequence of events culminated in the brutal assassination of Baji Rout.
Prominent personalities who paid tribute include Ajay Kumar Das from Gulf, Biswaranjan Sahoo from Kuwait, Secretary General of World Odisha Society Siba Ranjan Biswal from U.K., Famous singer Anindita Das, President of Chhattisgarh Branch of WOS and renowned Dancer Purnashree Raut, Hrushikesh Patra and Basudeb Jena from Bhubaneswar, Dr Sarbeswar Pradhan from Sambalpur, Satyabrata Mohanty from Bhadrak and Prahallad Mohanty from Gurugram.
Notable attendees of the Webinar include Akshaya Mohanty from USA, Director, ART India Foundation Dr Sasmita Das, Dr Bharti, Dr Rachna Prasad, Dr Vikas Mishra, Dr Ashok Sahay, Dr Geeta Gangotri, Dr Kaveri Behera, Mimamsa Pattnaik, Art Editor of Utkal Bharatee Alpana Pattnaik, HR Head of Utkal Bharatee Uttam Deo, Aman Patel, Sweta Biswas, Soni, Sneha, Charu, Manisha, Tanishka Singh, Nikhil Babu, Shubh Parsai, Bharat Singh, Nitin Jaiswal, Raj Tilak, Rudraksh Richariya, Kritika Hans, Pratyush and Siddhant Raj.
Nandan Dwibedi ably handled the digital control room. The entire arrangements of the Webinar was smoothly conducted with the active supervision of the main organiser Dr Nirmal Pattnaik along with the co – operation of Managing Editor of Utkal Bharatee Madhusmita Pattnaik.
World Odisha Society’s General Secretary, Eco, Ramkrishna Dash proposed vote of thanks.
