Freedom fighter Nilamani Samal (96) of Balipadia village under Barachana block in Jajpur district was felicitated by the Prime Minister and the President in New Delhi on August 9.
Samal was arrested during the 1942 Quit India movement and spent three years in jail at Cuttack.
Describing his eventual meeting with Gandhi as one of his proudest moments, Nilamani has tears in his eyes and his voice catches in his throat: “Bapu had come to Bairi near our village in May 1934 during his Padayatra throughout the country. When I tried to get close to him, a volunteer stopped me but Gandhiji let me through. He asked me what I wanted, and I bowed and said, ‘I wish to join in Congress.’ Gandhiji said, ‘Theek hai. I folded my hands, thanked him and left,” said Samal.
Former minister and senior BJD leader Prafulla Ghadei congratulated the veteran freedom fighter for blessing the Prime Minister and president.
“Nilamani Babu is a pride of our district. His sacrifice during the freedom movement would always be remembered, “ said Ghadei.