Bhubaneswar: India’s freedom was achieved through immense sacrifices made by countless Hutatmas. Many of these heroes are unknown to the present generation. One such crucial yet overlooked struggle took place in Sambalpur. On December 30, 1857, at Kudopali Ghat, 53 revolutionaries bravely laid down their lives in battle against British forces, while four others were sentenced to death. The National Book Trust (NBT) has brought this forgotten chapter of history to light with the publication of ‘The Saga of Kudopali: The Unsung Story of 1857’.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled the English edition of the book on December 29 during a ceremony in Sambalpur. In his address, he stated that the Kudopali incident of 1857 was as significant as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, emphasising the courageous resistance of the 53 freedom fighters who were martyred on that day, along with the subsequent execution of four other revolutionaries.
Prior to the unveiling, a tribute meeting was held to honour the Hutatmas, including the esteemed Veer Chhabila Sai. The book serves as a tribute to these unsung heroes and their ultimate sacrifices. Pradhan noted that families from various regions of Sambalpur—Khinda, Kulabira, Ghens, and Lakhanpur—played a crucial role in this great struggle, yet this history remained obscure to many until now.
During a tribute meeting on December 30 last year, organised by the Veer Chhabila Sai Smruti Committee, Minister Pradhan recognised the need for a comprehensive documentation of this history. He entrusted the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) and NBT with the task of researching and compiling this important chapter into a book.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently advocated for the recognition of the unsung heroes of the freedom struggle, and this initiative aligns with that vision. The book represents a significant step towards bringing these forgotten heroes into the national spotlight.
The Union Minister also announced plans to release the Hindi edition of the book at the upcoming NBT-organised book fair in Delhi. Furthermore, he has urged NBT to translate and publish the book in Odia and ten other major Indian languages to ensure a broader reach.
This book is a monumental effort to share the sacrifices and valor of Kudopali’s hutatmas with the world, highlighting the unacknowledged glory of Odisha and bringing its forgotten heritage to the forefront.
Looking ahead, Pradhan emphasised that the 200th anniversary of Sambalpur’s rebellion will be commemorated in two years, providing an opportunity to showcase Odisha’s resistance to the world. He concluded by affirming that the dedication, sacrifice, and heroism of these hutatmas will remain eternally memorable.
