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Odisha's Unsung Heroes of 1857 Gain Global Spotlight
10 Jan
Summary
- Kudopali's 1857 struggle story is now recognized internationally.
- A book detailing the Kudopali uprising was released in 13 languages.
- 57 freedom fighters were martyred in Kudopali's 1857 uprising.
The New Delhi World Book Fair has drawn special attention to Odisha's Kudopali, highlighting its pivotal role in India's freedom movement. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the event, themed 'Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom@75'. A significant moment was the release of the book 'The Saga of Kudopali: The Unsung Story of 1857' in 13 languages, including Spanish, Assamese, and Malayalam.
This historical narrative sheds light on the lesser-known events of the 1857 uprising in Sambalpur, where 53 freedom fighters were martyred on December 30, 1857, followed by the execution of four more revolutionaries. The book, supported by the Indian Council of Historical Research and National Book Trust, aims to elevate Kudopali's unrecognized history and its brave fighters to a global platform.
Veer Surendra Sai was instrumental in leading this anti-British movement in Odisha, with key contributions from figures like Chhabila Sai, Udanta Sai, and Balaram Singh. The fair also saw dignitaries from Qatar and Spain paying tribute to this heroic saga, ensuring that the valor and sacrifices of Kudopali's freedom fighters are recognized by younger generations and the global community.




