Koraput, Oct 2: The Central University of Odisha (CUO) observed the centenary of Shaheed Baji Rout, India’s youngest freedom martyr, through a three-day programme titled ‘Living the legacy of Shaheed Baji Rout’, from September 28 to 30 at its Sunabeda campus.
The programme featured various student competitions, including essay writing, debate, drama, painting, dance, and song.
A seminar and cultural programmes were also arranged, where students presented patriotic performances to pay tribute to Shaheed Baji Rout.
Prof. (Dr.) Ajit Kumar Shasany, CUO Vice-Chancellor, emphasised the importance of sacrifice in life and said that Shaheed Baji Rout’s martyrdom demonstrated that age is no barrier to thinking about and contributing to the nation.
He urged students to draw inspiration from Baji Rout’s life and consider how they could contribute positively to the nation.
Describing students as the future of India, he expressed the hope that their commitment and achievements would help CUO reach new heights. He also urged students to excel in academics as well as sports and encouraged them to “Dream and work hard to fulfill it”.
Speakers highlighted Baji Rout’s courage, sacrifice and contribution to the nation, while stressing the importance of preserving Odisha’s history, traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. Students who excelled in various competitions were also awarded prizes and cash awards.
The three day programme concluded by encouraging the younger generation to draw inspiration from Baji Rout’s courage , sacrifice and commitment to the nation.
Subrat Kumar Pradhan, Director, Higher Education, Union Ministry of Education said that creating greater space for India’s knowledge systems historical narratives would contribute to building a better future and achieving the vision of vikshit bharat @2047, the best tribute to Baji Rout would be to carry forward the story of his sacrifice and courage .
Kulamani rout, nephew of Shaheed Baji Rout spoke about the preservation of Baji Rout's historical legacy. He also recited poems of eminent odia poet Sachindananda Routray on Baji Rout.
Padma Shri Jitendra Haripal paid a musical tribute by presenting his own composition dedicated to the young martyrs.
Padma Shri Patayat Sahu emphasised the importance of traditional knowledge, indigenous agricultural practices and traditional plants. He called for the revival of traditional farming system to improve the quality of people and spoke about the medicinal values attributed to traditional plants and herbs.
Sumit Kumar Behera, converner of Shaheed Baji Rout committee proposed a vote of thanks.
