The New Delhi World Book Fair 2024 has cast a powerful spotlight on a lesser-known chapter of India's fight for independence, bringing the heroic saga of Odisha's Kudopali to a global audience. The fair was inaugurated by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Saturday.
A Tribute to Valour and Wisdom
Organized under the theme ‘Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom@75’, this year's fair dedicated a special segment to the 1857 uprising in Sambalpur. The centerpiece was the release of the book ‘The Saga of Kudopali: The Unsung Story of 1857’ in ten new languages by Minister Pradhan and other dignitaries. This initiative marks a significant effort to integrate this regional history into the national and international narrative of India's freedom movement.
The newly launched editions include Spanish, Assamese, Punjabi, Malayalam, Bengali, Urdu, Marathi, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu. Previously available in Odia, English, and Hindi, the book is now accessible to readers across the world in a total of 13 languages. A special video depicting the struggle of Kudopali was also screened during the inauguration, setting an emotive tone for the event.
Unveiling the Forgotten Martyrs of Kudopali
In his address, Dharmendra Pradhan illuminated the grim details of the battle. He stated that on December 30, 1857, a fierce confrontation took place at Kudopali where 53 freedom fighters were martyred on the battlefield. Subsequently, the British executed four more revolutionaries by hanging, bringing the total number of martyrs from this episode to 57.
Pradhan emphasized that Kudopali in Sambalpur is not just a geographical location but a shining symbol of India's freedom movement. He credited Veer Surendra Sai as the chief architect of this historic struggle. The movement was significantly strengthened by the contributions of Chhabila Sai, Surendra Sai's brother Udanta Sai, and his uncle Balaram Singh.
For many decades, the memory of this valiant resistance was kept alive only through local folk songs and oral traditions. The Union Minister highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) and the National Book Trust in researching, documenting, and now propelling this forgotten story onto the global stage.
Global Recognition for a Local Legacy
The minister expressed confidence that this publication would provide India's freedom struggle with a new identity in the global arena. He added that it would enable the younger generation to connect with the valour and sacrifices rooted in their own land, fostering a deeper sense of history and patriotism.
The event saw a distinguished international gathering, reflecting its wide resonance. Attendees included Qatar’s Minister of Culture, HE Al Rayyan bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, India’s Ambassador to Qatar, HJ Al Zabi, and the Director General of Books from Spain's Ministry of Culture, Maria José Gálvez. Together, they paid homage to this heroic saga, underscoring its universal significance.
Through this landmark launch at the World Book Fair, the sacrifices of the 57 martyrs of Kudopali have finally stepped out from the pages of local lore into the annals of world history, ensuring their bravery is remembered for generations to come.
