PM Modi pays tribute to freedom fighter Parvati Giri in 'Mann Ki Baat'; Odisha CM expresses gratitude
Bhubaneswar, Dec 28
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to Odia freedom fighter and social activist Parvati Giri in his monthly radio address 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, announcing that her birth centenary will be celebrated in January 2026.
Speaking on the 129th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi stated that the country will be celebrating the 77th Republic Day.
"Whenever such occasions arise, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the freedom fighters and the makers of the Constitution. Our country fought a long struggle for independence," PM Modi said.
He also noted that people from every part of the country contributed to the freedom movement; however, unfortunately, many of the heroes did not receive the respect they deserved for their contributions towards the freedom struggle.
"One such freedom fighter is Parvati Giri ji of Odisha. Her birth centenary will be celebrated in January 2026. She participated in the 'Quit India' movement at the age of 16. After the Independence movement, Parvati Giri ji dedicated her life to social service and tribal welfare. She established several orphanages. Her inspiring life will continue to guide every generation. I pay my tribute to Parvati Giri," stated the Prime Minister.
He called upon everyone to pass on the great legacy of such unsung heroes, both men and women who brought independence to the country, to the next generation.
"It is our responsibility that we do not forget our heritage. We must pass on the great saga of the heroes, both men and women, who brought us independence, to the next generation. You may recall that when we celebrated 75 years of independence, the government created a special website. A section on it was dedicated to "Unsung Heroes."
Even today, you can visit this website to learn about the great personalities who played a significant role in achieving independence for our country, the Prime Minister said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi called the tribute to Parvati Giri by PM Modi in his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme a matter of pride for the whole state.
Expressing his gratitude, CM Majhi wrote on his X handle, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for paying tributes to Parvati Giri, one of Odisha's great freedom fighters who dedicated her life to serving the poor and the marginalised, ahead of her birth centenary through today's Mann Ki Baat programme.
Remembering the contributions of this 'Agnikanya' of Odisha is a matter of pride for the entire state."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Mann Ki Baat is a great platform to educate the youth about our history. So many freedom fighters from smaller towns and villages never got their due. Glad the government is focusing on this. Jai Hind!
While it's good to remember heroes, I hope the celebration in 2026 is more than just symbolic. The orphanages she built could use support. Real tribute would be to strengthen the social service institutions she dedicated her life to.
Participating in Quit India at 16! What bravery. Our generation needs to learn this fearlessness. CM Majhi is right, it's a matter of pride for Odisha and for all of India. We must tell our children these stories.
My grandmother used to talk about 'Agnikanya' Parvati Giri. So happy she is being recognized at the national level. This is how we keep our history alive. The unsung heroes website is a good initiative, more people should visit it.
As someone living in India, I appreciate learning about regional history through platforms like this. The freedom struggle had countless local heroes whose stories are not in mainstream textbooks. This is important work.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.