THE GREAT FREEDOM FIGHTER: GOKULANANDA PRAHARAAJ

Sanjay bhatt 

Gokulananda Praharaj, born on July 5, 1921, was a towering figure in India's freedom struggle, his life marked by an unyielding dedication to the cause of independence. His early years were spent in the pursuit of knowledge at Barendrakrishna Vidyapitha in Banki, where the seeds of his intellectual and patriotic spirit were sown. This foundation led him to Ravenshaw College in Cuttack, where he graduated in 1939, but his ambitions extended far beyond academic success.

The tumultuous period of the 1940s found Gokulananda at the heart of India's fight for freedom. The Quit India Movement, launched in 1942, ignited a fervor within him that could not be contained. Ravenshaw College became more than just an institution of learning—it transformed into a battleground where young patriots like Gokulananda challenged the might of the British Empire. 

In a defining moment of defiance, during the Ravenshaw College fire of 1942, Gokulananda Praharaj etched his name into history. As tensions peaked, he took the audacious step of setting fire to the Union Jack, the symbol of British authority. This act of bravery was not just a gesture; it was a clarion call for independence, a symbol of the unbreakable spirit of a young nation determined to be free.

Gokulananda Praharaj's legacy is not merely that of a freedom fighter but of a visionary who understood the power of education in shaping a nation's destiny. His life serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that the road to freedom was paved with the courage and sacrifices of individuals who dared to dream of a sovereign India. His story continues to inspire, urging us to cherish and protect the hard-won liberty that is the cornerstone of our nation.