Kanda Alaya, a revered traditional fisherman hailing from Sana Arjipalli in Odisha’s Ganjam district, is not only fighting for his own livelihood but also championing the cause of over 3000 fellow traditional fishermen. Recognizing his unwavering dedication, the Union Government has extended a special invitation for Kanda Alaya and his wife, K Saraswati, to join in the 75th Independence Day celebrations on August 15 in the nation’s capital, New Delhi.
Expressing their immense joy, Alaya shared, “We are incredibly thrilled and honored to be invited by the government to partake in the Independence Day celebrations at the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi.” Speaking from the Chatrapur Railway station as they embarked on their journey to New Delhi, the couple’s excitement was palpable.
During their stay, the couple will be accommodated at Odisha Bhavan in New Delhi, marking a gesture of respect for their generational occupation and contributions. Alaya expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, viewing this invitation as a poignant recognition of their lifelong endeavors.
Alaya’s impactful presence extends beyond his role as a traditional fisherman. He serves as the General Secretary of the Odisha Traditional Fish Workers Union and holds the position of Vice President at the National Fish Workers Forum. Moreover, he also holds the title of President of the Gopalpur Port Workers Union. Alaya has dedicated substantial time and energy towards educating fellow fishermen about the successful implementation of transformative initiatives such as ‘Pradhan Mantri Mastchya Sampriti Yojana’ and ‘Blue Revolution’. His advocacy efforts were instrumental in compelling the government to pass the ‘Odisha Marine Regulation Act’, a significant legislative achievement benefiting the fishing community.
Complementing Alaya’s endeavors, K Saraswati led a movement among fisherwomen, embarking on the preparation of dry fish under the ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management) project from 2014 to 2016. This initiative not only contributed to the preservation of coastal heritage but also generated supplementary income through tailoring.
The couple’s visionary leadership played a pivotal role in nurturing the maritime legacy and fostering economic sustainability along the coastline for several decades. Their involvement was instrumental in promoting the ‘Samudram’ initiative, further solidifying their impact on the community.
This notable invitation to the Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi is part of a broader recognition extended to six individuals from Odisha. Besides Kanda Alaya and K Saraswati, three beneficiaries of the ‘Amrit Sarovar Mission’ – Jagyanseni Patel of Balangir, Savitri Das of Ganjam, and Akhaya Kumar Jayfula of Koraput – along with ‘Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi’ scheme beneficiary Yuvaraj Chhatria from Komna area in Nuapada have also been honored with invitations.
The Central Government’s gesture extends beyond the personal sphere, as it has extended invitations to approximately 1,800 special guests from diverse corners of the country to partake in the momentous Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort. This inclusive approach mirrors the spirit of unity and diversity that is emblematic of India’s rich cultural tapestry.
Prasanta Patnaik