Naveen pays tribute to Netaji, Vir Surendra Sai

Odisha today paid rich tributes to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and eminent freedom fighter Vir Surendra Sai on their birth anniversaries.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik visited the birth places of Netaji at Odia Bazar in Cuttack and also Khinda village in Sambalpur district and garlanded statues of the leaders.
Describing January 23 as the Day of Struggle, Patnaik called upon the people to draw inspirations from the lives of Netaji and Sai.
Both the leaders sacrificed their lives for the nation, Patnaik said, adding the youths should take pledge on the day to dedicate their lives for the nation building.

While Vir Surendra Sai was born on January 23, 1809, Netaji was born at a house in Cuttack on January 23, 1897.
Addressing a public meeting in Sambalpur district, Patnaik announced the state government's decision of according Unitary University status to Gangadhar Meher (Autonomous) College.

Odisha's information and public relations minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak highlighted the lives and contributions of the legendary leaders.
The day was also observed in Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) office here.
"We are proud that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Vir Surendra Sai were born in Odisha. We pay rich tribute to the revolutionary leaders," OPCC president Prasad Harichandan said.

BJP leaders and activists also observed the day and garlanded statues of Netaji and Vir Surendra Sai.