Indus Valley Times

BY AKSHYA ROUT

Jajpur,AUG 10 : Neelmani Samal, a veteran freedom fighter from Balipadia village under Badchana block of Jajpur district, was honored by the President of India on Sunday .  Jajpur collector  Ranjan Kumar Das met Mr. Samal at his residence in Balipadia this morning and honored the militant Neelmani Samal by handing over the utriya and honors from the President’s office. Later, the district collector das also honored Dadhichi Sahu, a militant from Kaipada village under the Bari block, with honors from the President. The Jajpur district magistrate honored the two militants as per the instructions received from the President’s Office as it was not possible for Karona to go to Delhi this year to meet the President. Jajpur Additional District Magistrate (Revenue)Akshay Mallick, Sub collector  Narayan Chandra Dhal and District Project Director Indramani Nayak were present on the occasion. The two fighters were also honored by local intellectuals and politicians on the occasion.

Born on February 23, 1932, Sapphire has been fighting for independence since he was just 15 years old. brundavan Tripathi, a militant from his hometown of Balipadia, known as Badchana Gandhi, was the guide of Brundavan , Neelmani was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison on charges of picketing in front of a zamindar’s office in Badchana’s Musa Tikiri, burning a Kuanpal post office and setting up an opium shop. For a long time, he has been involved in anti-drug and anti-corruption movements. The state government has recently nominated Neelmani Samal as the chairman of the State Freedom Fighters Committee.

Inspired by the call of Dadhichi Sahu Gandhiji, a militant from Kaipada village, he joined the Quit India Movement in 1922. This year, Dadhichi Sahu received the President’s Award for the third time, while Neelmani Samal received the award for the fourth time. “I’m really grateful she was released and thank those who worked hard for her release, and we’re glad she’s alive,” said Nilamani Samal.