Martyr Gangaram Das Memorial in Neglect: Guests Express Concern on Kargil Vijay Diwas

Balasore, 28/07 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty):
On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, a heartfelt tribute was paid at the residence of Kargil martyr Gangaram Das at Harida village under Khananagar Panchayat in Sadar Block. A programme was organised by the Sahid Gangaram Das Smruti Parishad, formed by local residents, in memory of the braveheart. Distinguished guests, members of the Parishad, villagers, and attendees offered floral tributes and performed a memorial ceremony before the full-body statue of the martyr located at his residence.

The public meeting commenced with the singing of the national anthem. Presided over by Parishad President Bijay Kumar Das, the event saw Colonel Kshetramahaan Mahapatra as the chief guest, who narrated the immortal saga of sacrifice and valour of the martyr. He elaborated on the hardships faced during the Kargil War, especially in the extreme terrain of high-altitude combat, and how the bravery, dedication, and indomitable spirit of Indian soldiers earned global respect.

Among others, the keynote speaker was retired professor Prabhat Kumar Parida, while Dr. Sangita Mohanty, Principal of A.B.A. College, Dr. Pranati Priyadarshini Mishra, Principal of Neelakantha Degree College, Shashibhusan Kar, Principal of Neelakantha Junior College, human rights activist Sudhakar Sethy, and Anjan Kumar Nayak, the local Sarpanch, were present as honoured guests.
Family members of the martyr, including his father Shyamsundar Das and wife Manimala Das, also participated in paying homage and shared their memories.

Parishad Secretary and social leader Kartik Giri delivered the welcome address, while Ranjan Nayak offered the vote of thanks.

A speech competition was organised by the Parishad in which students from various colleges participated.

Bhavabhanjan Panda secured the first prize, Anisha Priyadarshini Nayak came second, Pabitra Kumar Barik was awarded third prize. Shreya Sandipta Panda, Subhadra Khilar, and Archita Puhan received consolation prizes. Winners were felicitated with certificates and trophies.

Speakers unanimously demanded that the final journey route of the martyr—from Kuruda Square to Palashpur Square—be named in his honour. They also called upon the government to take immediate steps for constructing a memorial gate, public statue, remembrance hall, library, and museum in his name—none of which have materialised so far.

There was also a public appeal for the renovation of the neglected cremation site of the martyr.

Key contributors to the successful organisation of the event included Subedar Tarun Kumar Biswal, Nirakar Bhuya, Jitendra Kumar Das, Uttam Kumar Raut, Shailendra Mahant, Dharmendra Sahu, Ritesh Raut, Satyabrata S., R.K. Mahapatra, Gopal Krishna Bugudei, Gautam Pani, and others.