Shaheed Diwas, observed on March 23, commemorates the tragic day when three freedom fighters – Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar – were executed by the British Government. This annual observance pays homage to these brave souls who sacrificed their lives for an independent, sovereign, and liberal India. The revolutionary leaders were hanged at the Lahore Central Jail in Lahore on March 23, 1931, marking a pivotal moment in India's struggle for freedom.
In 2023, Odisha witnessed a solemn tribute to its brave sons, the Odia jawans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. These valiant soldiers exemplified courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protecting our country's sovereignty. Their selfless actions and sacrifices resonate deeply within the hearts of every Indian, highlighting the profound impact and significance of their service. On this Shaheed Diwas, let us honor and remember these fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the safety and security of our nation.
Odia soldier Saroj Kumar Das, hailing from Kendudhipa in Dhenkanal district, was declared martyred after going missing along with 22 other Army personnel during a flash flood in the Teesta River of Lachen Valley caused by a sudden cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim. Das was part of the Army team reported missing in the disaster.
Another Odia jawan, Sushant Khuntia of the CRPF, lost his life in a Naxal ambush in Jharkhand. During a combing operation, the CRPF team encountered Naxals, leading to an ambush in which Khuntia and Munna Lal Yadav were injured. Despite evacuation efforts, Khuntia succumbed to his injuries. Khuntia was a native of Anandpur in Odisha’s Keonjhar. Khuntia’s mother who had already lost her husband and two other sons also breathed last eight days after Khuntia’s death.
Odia BSF jawan Pratap Ranjan Parida died after reportedly falling into a ditch in Tura, Meghalaya. Hailing from Malla village in Puri district, Parida's family was informed of his demise by BSF officials. His elder brother served with the CRPF, while his younger brother had passed away in a road accident two years prior. Parida is survived by a son and a daughter.
Additionally, Odia soldier Debashis Biswal from Alaguma panchayat near Sakhigopal in Puri district was among five jawans killed in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. Biswal, survived by his wife Susri Sangeeta and a baby girl, served with the Rashtriya Rifles unit deployed in counterterrorist operations. The attack occurred when naxals hurled a grenade at the army truck, resulting in the vehicle catching fire.
