CM Majhi pays tribute to freedom fighter Sarala Devi on her birth anniversary
Synopsis
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi offered a devout tribute to Sarala Devi — freedom fighter, poet, and social reformer — on her birth anniversary on 9 August 2026, honouring her lasting contributions to Odia literature and the independence movement.
Key Takeaways
CM Mohan Charan Majhi paid tribute to Sarala Devi on her birth anniversary on 9 August 2026 .
Sarala Devi was a prominent Odia freedom fighter, poet, writer, and social reformer active in the early-to-mid twentieth century.
She advocated for women's education and rights alongside her participation in the independence movement.
CM Majhi praised her 'unparalleled contributions to freedom, social service, and literature.' Her birth anniversary is typically marked by commemorative programmes and literary events across Odisha .
She fought for India's freedom, championed women's education, and left behind a body of Odia literature that endures — and on Sunday, 9 August 2026, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi paused to honour her memory. On the birth anniversary of Sarala Devi, the CM offered his reverent tribute to the distinguished freedom fighter and litterateur.
Posting in Odia, CM Majhi wrote: 'ବିଶିଷ୍ଟ ସ୍ୱାଧୀନତା ସଂଗ୍ରାମୀ ତଥା ସାହିତ୍ୟିକା ସରଳା ଦେବୀଙ୍କ ଜନ୍ମ ଜୟନ୍ତୀରେ ଭକ୍ତିପୂତ ପ୍ରଣାମ' — 'Devout salutations on the birth anniversary of distinguished freedom fighter and litterateur Sarala Devi.' He added that her 'unparalleled contributions to freedom, social service, and literature shall always be remembered.'
A life spanning the freedom struggle, the written word, and social reform
Sarala Devi was a towering figure in early-to-mid twentieth century Odisha — a poet, writer, and social reformer who wove together the threads of independence activism and advocacy for women's education and rights. Her contributions gave the Odia literary tradition a distinctly nationalist and humanist voice at a time when both were urgently needed. She stands among the regional figures whose work extended well beyond the political movement, shaping culture and consciousness in equal measure.Regional icons and the politics of remembrance
Chief ministers across India routinely mark birth anniversaries of regional freedom fighters and litterateurs on social media — a practice that serves both cultural and political purposes. By honouring figures like Sarala Devi, Odisha's leadership reinforces the state's own chapter in the national independence story, one that often risks being overshadowed by more prominent all-India narratives. For CM Majhi, the tribute also signals continuity with a broader BJP emphasis on celebrating India's civilisational and regional heritage. Each year, her birth anniversary typically prompts commemorative programmes, seminars, and literary events across the state — keeping her legacy alive for new generations of Odia readers and citizens.Point of View
Such gestures carry added weight: the party has sought to deepen its roots in the state's cultural soil since its 2024 electoral breakthrough. Honouring a figure who combined literary achievement with social reform and nationalist activism aligns neatly with the party's broader 'civilisational heritage' messaging. The real measure of the tribute's sincerity, however, will be whether state resources back it with substantive programmes in her memory.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Sarala Devi from Odisha?
Sarala Devi was a prominent Odia freedom fighter, poet, writer, and social reformer from Odisha who participated in the independence movement, advocated for women's education and rights, and made significant contributions to Odia literature in the early-to-mid twentieth century.
Why did CM Mohan Majhi pay tribute to Sarala Devi?
CM Mohan Charan Majhi paid tribute to Sarala Devi on her birth anniversary on 9 August 2026, honouring her contributions to India's freedom struggle, social service, and Odia literature.
What did CM Majhi say about Sarala Devi?
CM Majhi said her 'unparalleled contributions to freedom, social service, and literature shall always be remembered,' offering devout salutations on her birth anniversary.
What is Sarala Devi known for in Odia literature?
Sarala Devi is known for giving the Odia literary tradition a nationalist and humanist voice, combining poetry and writing with social reform and advocacy for women's rights during the independence era.
How does Odisha commemorate Sarala Devi's birth anniversary?
Each year, Sarala Devi's birth anniversary is typically marked by commemorative programmes, seminars, and literary events across Odisha to keep her legacy alive for new generations.
