Book throws new light on freedom fighters of Orissa

BHUBANESWAR:(visakeo) Governor Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare on Monday released the book "Gandhi, Freedom Struggle and Swarajya Ashram" penned by eminent researcher and writer Dr Pabak Kanungo.The first copy of the book in Oriya was presented to veteran freedom fighter Annapurna Maharana at a simple ceremony at Raj Bhawan. The book throws new light on the way 'Satyagrahis' of the State could awaken the dormant spirit of the people and shake off their inferiority complex to stand up in defence of their dignity and status as free men. Quoting profusely from the writings and speeches of the heroes of freedom struggle, the book captures events in different phases of the freedom struggle. It also elaborately deals with the intimate contact of Mahatma Gandhi with Orissa.
It also takes a long look at the role played by the historic 'Swarajya Ashram' at Cuttack in the freedom struggle and its gradual disappearance from public perception to an utterly dilapidated structure. The book also contains several rare photographs dating back to 1921, 1925, 1930 and 1931. On the occasion, Bhandare empahsised on renovation and preservation of places in Orissa where Gandhiji visited or stayed so that the younger generation can relate them with fight for Independence and the State's contribution to it.
Culture Minister S.N. Patro, Secretary Gopinath Mohanty and former professor of Utkal University Dr. S. Rath were present.