“He was sent to jail for four and half years during the pre-independence era, and is proud to have braved lathis and bullets during relentless protests against British throughout the freedom struggle. Despite the atrocities by the oppressor, Odisha’s living legend Bhabani Patnaik continued to hold firm faith in the Gandhian philosophy of non-violence and became a role-model for the youth of his generation. “
Ninety four years old Bhabani Patnaik was only 10 when he joined the Indian freedom movement. Born and brought up in Gadaandhia village under Nimapada block of Puri, Bhabani has been honoured with several prestigious awards including Rajiv Gandhi Samman, Santh Binova Samman, Prananatha Samman, Rajdhani Gourab Samman. He has also remained a member of Rajya Sabha for three times from 1961 to 66, 1966 to 72 and 1978 to 84.
The birth of a revolutionary
On December 12, 1932 Bhabani was attending a school function being held to observe the fourth anniversary of King George V’s visit to India. Across the country, cultural programs, rallies and events were being organised in every school on the occasion.
Bhabani along with other Freedom fighters including Biju Patnaik, Nilamani Routray, Harekrushna Mahatab
When teachers at Bhabani’s school urged students to shout slogans hailing King George V, Bhabani refused and instead shouted slogans praising Mahatama Gandhi. Other students followed suit and this made teachers angry. That day, young enthusiastic Bhabani was beaten up by lathis for demonstrating ‘courage’ for the first time.
He maintained this revolutionary temperament and was invited by several ODisha leaders later to join the Quit India Movement.
Facing bullets in Nimapada during Quit India Movement
He was studying in 11th standard of Nimapada High School when Gandhi called the Quit India Movement on August 8, 1942. To contribute to the revolution, Bhabani decided to quit his studies and join other freedom fighters of Odisha including Harekrushna Mahatab, Biju Patnaik, Nabakrushna Choudury, Nilamani Routray, among others in the struggle.
The movement was being spearheaded in Nimapada under the leadership of Mohan Das. Other leaders like Padmacharan Samantsinghara, Bhabani, Narahari Sahu, Lokanath Senapati were supporting him. The course of events took a different turn when police arrested Das.
Prasanta Patnaik