Kodopali, Dec 30: Sambalpur is a land of struggle and sacrifice and the historic Kudopali is a symbol of our sacrifice and valour. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said this while participating in the Tricolor march and commemorative meeting organised in the memory of Veer Chabila Sai and 57 martyrs who fought against the British in the Kudopali Ghat on this day in 1857.

The programme was organised by the ‘Veer Chhabila Sai Smruti Committee” with the support of the Sambalpur district administration.  

“Today is an auspicious day for all of us. On December 30, 1857, 53 freedom fighters were martyred in the battle of Kudopali. Four others were later hanged. As many as 57 militants were killed. Among the martyrs were the great valiant Veer Surendra Sai and Udanta Sai's brother Veer Chital Sai. Kudopali's spirit of sacrifice, history and dedication is no less than the Jallianwala Bagh massacre,” said Pradhan.  

The Union Minister said the the martyr’s sacrifices fetched us Independence and strengthened our democracy.  

The sacrifices, courage and valour of these brave martyrs will always be remembered,” Pradhan asserted.  

It may be mentioned here that a book “The Saga of Kudopali: The Unsong Story of 1957” was released by the Union Minister at a special programme at Sambalpur yesterday.

The Union Minister appreciated the exhibition organized by the young activists of 'Veer Chival Sai Memorial Committee' to bring the history of Kudopali, including revolutionary Surendra Sai, to the younger generation. He mentioned that the portrait of Veer Surendra Sai painted by young painters in today's exhibition is not a painting but a way of life for us. The sacrifice of Chhabila Sai on 30th December 1857 is not a date for us, but an unforgettable memory for us.   Pradhan thanked the villagers for preserving the glorious memories of Kudopali.