Dr Manoj Ku Panda,Padampur
Rani Laxmibai, the fearless Queen of Jhansi, is an iconic figure in Indian history, revered for her unwavering courage and unshakeable spirit. Born on November 19, 1828, in Varanasi, she was a prominent leader in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British rule. Her life is a testament to her dedication to India’s freedom, inspiring countless individuals, including those in Odisha.Rani Laxmibai’s early life was marked by her marriage to Maharaja Gangadhar Rao of Jhansi in 1842. After his death in 1853, the British East India Company refused to recognize her adopted son, Damodar Rao, as the rightful heir, citing the Doctrine of Lapse. This led to Rani Laxmibai’s fierce resistance against British rule.Rani Laxmibai’s connection with Odisha is rooted in her visit to Puri, where she tied a Rakhi to the son of the Puri Jagannath Temple’s priest, Chakhi Khuntia, establishing a brother-sister bond between them.
This symbolic gesture would have far-reaching consequences, as Chakhi Khuntia later joined Rani Laxmibai in her fight against the British.Rani Laxmibai’s bravery and leadership played a pivotal role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. She fought valiantly against the British, refusing to surrender Jhansi. Her famous declaration, “I shall not surrender my Jhansi,” echoes through Indian history. After Jhansi’s fall, she joined forces with Tatya Tope and fought in Gwalior, where she ultimately sacrificed her life on June 18, 1858.Rani Laxmibai’s legacy extends far beyond Jhansi, inspiring women and men alike with her remarkable life. She is celebrated as a symbol of women’s empowerment, courage, and patriotism.
Her life has been immortalized in numerous literary works, films, and institutions, including the Rani Laxmibai Central Agricultural University in Jhansi.Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Rani Laxmibai on her birth anniversary, highlighting her sacrifice and struggle for India’s freedom. The Jhansi Fort, a symbol of Rani Laxmibai’s bravery, hosts cultural events and reenactments of her life. Various organizations, including the Rani Laxmibai Group of Public School and the Seva Group Foundation, work to promote her legacy and provide education and welfare services.Rani Laxmibai’s connection to Sambalpur and Veer Surendra Sai is a significant aspect of her legacy. After the fall of Jhansi, her adopted son, Damodar Rao, was given shelter by Veer Surendra Sai’s family in Sambalpur. Veer Surendra Sai, a freedom fighter and leader of the Sambalpur revolution, was inspired by Rani Laxmibai’s bravery and sacrifice.
He continued to fight against British rule, and his struggle was influenced by Rani Laxmibai’s example.Several organizations are dedicated to preserving Rani Laxmibai’s memory and promoting her values. These include the Rani Laxmibai Group of Public School, Pt. Vishwanath Sharma Hindu Charitable Trust, National Book Trust (NBT), and Odisha Legislative Assembly.Chetna Parishad Padampur,Bargarh Padampur celebrates Rani Laxmibai’s birth anniversary since 2009 with so many competitions for school and college students. Various organizations in Odisha pay tribute to Rani Laxmibai’s courage and sacrifice.Rani Laxmibai’s life serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication to India’s freedom and her unshakeable spirit.
Her connection with Odisha and Sambalpur adds another layer to her enduring legacy, inspiring generations to come.Innthis way we can say that Jhansi was though daughter of Varanasi,she is the Sister of Odisha As we celebrate her birth anniversary, we honor her courage, sacrifice, and devotion to the nation.May her life be an example to all the women of the country.They should be fearless,agile,enthusiastic,never give up attitude,not withstanding nature in tumultuous situations
Dr Manoj Ku Panda,Padampur