Sambalpur- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, on Sunday, highlighted the significance of the Kudopali killings of 1857, drawing a parallel to the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Speaking during the launch of the book ‘The Saga of Kudopali: The Unsung Story of 1857’ at Sambalpur, Pradhan emphasized the historical importance of the event and its martyrs.
Pradhan expressed his gratitude for unveiling the English version of the book during the ‘Shradhanjali Sabha,’ an event organized to honor Veer Chhabila Sai and the 57 other freedom fighters martyred at Kudopali Ghat. He acknowledged the contributions of families from Khinda, Kolabira, Ghens, Lakhanpur, and other areas to the freedom struggle, noting that many revolutionaries remain unrecognized for their sacrifices.
Recounting his discovery of the Kudopali battle last year, Pradhan explained that he immediately commissioned the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) and National Book Trust (NBT) to research and compile the history of Kudopali into a comprehensive book. He announced plans to launch a Hindi version of the book at the upcoming largest book fair of NBT in New Delhi.
Pradhan urged NBT to publish the book in 10 major Indian languages, including Odia, to ensure that Kudopali’s sacrifice and legend reach every corner of the world. He emphasized that the book would bring national recognition to Odisha’s often-overlooked historical glory.
Reflecting on the events of December 30, 1857, Pradhan recounted how 53 freedom fighters were martyred at Kudopali Ghat in Sambalpur, with five others later sentenced to death. He asserted that the launch of the book’s English version would help commemorate the bravery and contributions of these unsung heroes.
