The 97th birth anniversary of freedom fighter late Biswambhar Behera was celebrated here on Saturday last at a meeting held at the Utkal Ashram here under the chairmanship of president of social organisation Vikash Dr Gopalkrushna Behera.
Biswambhar Behera had joined the freedom struggle at the age of 13 being a juvenile worker in the Salt Movement, for which he was detained in the Brahmapur Jail.
After his release, he again participated in the non-cooperation movement at Puri, for which he was fined and arrested twice. He was also arrested at Cuttack and lodged in the Patna Camp Jail and Munger Juvenile Jail. He also participated in the Quit India Movement in Ganjam district.
Speakers at the meeting recalled Biswambhar’s persistent fight against untouchability, superstitions, liquor and atrocities on women.
Among others, his sons Gopabandhu Behera, Ratnakar Behera, Narasingh Behera and KBK Behari were the guests of honour. Several social workers, trade union leaders and senior citizens paid their tributes to the freedom fighter.