Eminent freedom fighter and former Kendrapada MlA Purushottam Nayak passed away on Sunday at the age of 104 while undergoing treatment for brain stroke and paralysis at the SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack. He had been ailing for last two weeks.
The Gandhian leader was the vice-president of the All India Freedom Fighters’ Association and president of the Orissa Freedom fighters’ Association. He represented Kendrapada to the State Assembly from 1952 to 1957 by winning a by-election on a Congress ticket.
Nayak took part in Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Pada Yatra’ against untouchability in Orissa in May 1934. The Pada Yatra covered Kakatia, Salar, Bhagabatipur, Kendrapada, Barimul, Indupur and Anyeispur. He was also actively involved in Gandhiji’s Swadeshi, Satyagrah and Quit India movements. He was jailed thrice.
He quit active politics in 70s and engaged himself in social work till his death. He is survived by three sons, two daughters and grandchildren.
The Ambehkar lohia Vichar Manch condoled the death of the freedom fighter. Manch president Sangram Kesari Malick among many others paid floral tributes to the mortal remains of Nayak at the Swadhinata Sangrami Bhawan.
Similarly, at the Odisha Khadi and Gramodyog Board premise, board Chairman Tejeswar Parida paid floral tribute to Nayak’s mortal remains and said the country has lost a true freedom fighter and a Khadi lover.