TNI Bureau: The Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi unveiled the full-length statue of revolutionary leader Dharanidhar Naik (Bhuyan) at the main entrance of Keonjhar town, fulfilling a long-standing promise to honour the legendary freedom fighter on his native soil.

Addressing a special ceremony organised at Nekeda Ghar Chhak in the Jamunalia area, the Chief Minister said Keonjhar is a land of revolutionaries and Dharanidhar Naik remains the foremost inspiration whenever the district’s revolutionary legacy is discussed. “I had given my word, and today I have kept it. Dharanidhar Naik’s statue now stands proudly at the entrance of Keonjhar,” he said.

Calling Dharanidhar Naik a source of inspiration for generations, the Chief Minister remarked that Keonjhar’s soil is not just known for its mines and minerals, but also for its spirit of resistance and struggle against injustice. He recalled that Dharanidhar Naik led the historic ‘Dharani Meli’ movement against the oppression of innocent people under the erstwhile monarchy, becoming a symbol of tribal resistance and human courage.

Dharanidhar Naik, a leader from the Bhuyan tribal community, was known for his fearless stand against injustice. Though peace-loving by nature, he refused to tolerate oppression and emerged as a powerful voice against tyranny. The Chief Minister said Naik’s life teaches that the true value of life lies not in its length, but in meaningful contributions made towards freedom, integrity and development of the nation. He added that Dharanidhar’s early life was marked by rebellion for freedom, while his later years were devoted to spiritual pursuit, seeking divine blessings for the country’s independence.

During his address, the Chief Minister also referred to another son of Keonjhar, Padma Shri awardee and ‘Canal Man’ Daitari Nayak, noting how determination and self-belief can achieve extraordinary results. He recalled that Daitari Nayak single-handedly dug a canal from the Gonasika hills to his village Talabaitarani over three years, an achievement that earned him the Padma Shri in 2019.

The event was attended by Padma Shri Daitari Nayak, MP Ananta Nayak, MLAs Dr Fakir Nayak, Akhila Nayak and Mamita Nayak, Shyam Sundar Nayak, Dharanidhar Nayak’s descendant Kalakar Nayak, office-bearers of the Bhuyan community, and a large gathering of local residents.