Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted family members of Paika Revolt veterans and other freedom struggle heroes of Odisha at the Raj Bhavan here on Sunday morning.
Modi honoured family members of 16 Paika Revolt martyrs and other freedom struggle fighters offering shawls to them. The PM shook hands and offered Namaskars to the recipients.
They were family members of Jai Rajguru, Buxi Jagabandhu, Madhab Chandra Routray, Rendo Majhi, laxmi Indira Panda, Pindiji Bahubajendra, Dibakar Parida, Surendra Sai, Chakhi Khuntia, Dinabandhu Samantaray Mohapatra, Madhab Singh, Krutibas Patsani, Raghunath Mohanty, Chakara Bishoi and laxman Nayak.
While meeting family members of Buxi Jagabandhu, a great warrior of yesteryears, Modi asked Upasana (great granddaughter of Buxi and daughter of late Congress leader lalatendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra), “Kya padhahi ho rahi hai betiIJ”.
Upasana, clad in a sky colour dress, was all happy and spoke about her career and studies in Mumbai. “I am proud to be with family members of freedom struggle heroes of Odisha. The contributions of Paikas and other Odisha freedom fighters in the Independent struggle are memorable. The Paikas fought very strongly against the English,” Modi the family members. Governor Dr SC Jamir and senior BJP leader Bishwabhushan Harichandan were present.