Maa Tujhe Salaam 2023: Odisha Bhaskar’s Continued Commitment to Honour and Support Martyrs

Bhubaneswar: “We are supporting the education and wellbeing of over 110 progenies of martyrs and will continue to add up more to the list”, said Managing Director (MD) of Odisha Bhaskar, Madhu Mohanty. He made this declaration at the 14^th edition of the ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’, a function organized every year by the Odisha Bhaskar group to honour the legacy and families of martyrs of Odisha on Independence Day.

The venue of this year’s ‘Maa Tujhe Saaam’ was the Chanakya Auditorium of Swosti Premium Hotel. The venue was jampacked with an audience of over a thousand, who had gathered up to show their respect for the patriotic fervor of martyrs.

The IG of BSF Dhaneswar Kumar Sharma was the chief guest of the occasion. The other guests were Major Bharat Shekhawat of the Indian Army, Wing Commander Rajalaxmi Prithviraj, commanding officer, 9 Airmen Selection Centre, Indian Air Force, SR Dash, DIG, Indian Coast Guard, Comde NP Pradeep. Commanding Officer INS Chilka, M Raghuram, DIGP CRPF.

Before entering the venue, the guests, the MD of Odisha Bhaskar and its CEO Kaoustuva Das presented writhes to Amar Jawan memorial.

The CEO gave the welcome address which was followed by the address by the MD Madhu Mohanty. Mr Mohanty reiterated the commitment of Odisha Bhaskar to stand by the families of martyrs of Odisha, who have sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Family members of six Odia martyrs were honoured during the occasion. These martyrs included Sahid Sushant Kumar Khutia of CRPF, who laid down his life during an anti-Maoist operation in Jharkhand last week, sahid Debasish Biswal of the Indian Army, Sahid Kanhu Charan Madhy of Odisha Police, sahid Prasant Kumar Patra of Odisha Police, Sahid Kanhu Charan Debata, SOG, Odisha Police, and Sahid Jaggarao Gomparoy, a gramrakshi working for Odisha Police.

The poignant stories of these martyrs shown on screen brought tears to the eyes of the audience.

During their addresses, the uniformed guests called upon the general public to work for the nation in different fields with similar patriotic fervor like that of the defense personnel. Wing Commander Rajalaxmi Prithviraj’s personal story of struggle drew much applause and appreciation.

The chief editor of Odisha Bhaskar, Pradosh Patnaik gave the vote of thanks.

The CRPF Brass band played the National Anthem at the beginning and end of the function.

It was followed by a cultural program laced with patriotism. Noted comedian Papu Pom Pom and Princess Dance Group were highlights of this cultural show.