Freedom fighter and former Odisha Minister Dolagobinda Pradhan passed away at his residence here on Monday at around 3.50 am. He was 90 and is survived by his wife, four sons and three daughters.
As the news of his demise spread, many eminent personalities, freedom fighters and politicians reached his house to pay last respect to the departed soul.
Pradhan’s body was buried at his ancestral village Dihasahi (Gatiroutpatna) in Cuttack in the afternoon.
Born on June 7, 1929, Pradhan was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from the Cuttack Sadar constituency twice between 1980 and 1990. He also served as the Urban Development Minister from 1989 to 1990.
Being inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, he had left school in 1942 to join the Quit India Movement. He was imprisoned by the British for three years and two months in the Cuttack and Berhampur jails.
“His contribution to the freedom struggle and to our social life will be remembered forever. He was a true Gandhian and had dedicated his life to uphold Gandhian values in words and actions,” said Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also condoled the death of Pradhan and conveyed his deep sympathy to the bereaved family. PCC president Niranjan Patnaik, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Samajwadi Party State president Rabi Behera and many other leaders too expressed his condolence over the demise of the freedom fighter.
The State Assembly also mourned Pradhan’s demise and conveyed deep condolences to his bereaved family.
Bringing an obituary reference, Chief Minister Patnaik said Odisha lost a freedom fighter and a good leader. Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra said Pradhan fought against injustice in the interest of common men. BJP Legislature Party Leader KV Singh Deo remembered him as a true freedom fighter. A one-minute silence was observed for the departed soul.