Odisha Governor Pays Tribute to Harish Chandra Baxipatra on 92nd Birth Anniversary
Bhubaneswar, Nov 17: Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati hailed Harish Chandra Baxipatra as an “eternal beacon of integrity and service” during the leader’s 92nd birth anniversary celebration at Jaydev Bhawan.
The Governor urged citizens to draw inspiration from Baxipatra’s courage, humility, and unwavering dedication to public service.
He emphasised that speaking truth with courage, serving selflessly, and standing by the marginalised would be the highest tribute to the late leader.
Highlighting Baxipatra’s political journey, the Governor noted that his leadership was defined not by positions but by values.
Baxipatra consistently championed the rights of farmers, labourers, and neglected communities, while also playing a pivotal role in movements for linguistic pride, social justice, and regional identity.
Recalling the Emergency period, the Governor praised Baxipatra’s refusal to compromise democratic principles, choosing imprisonment over silence.
He also lauded his contributions to journalism as founder-editor of the Odia fortnightly Lokaniti, which promoted democratic discourse and cultural identity.
The event saw participation from former minister Prafulla Chandra Ghadei, Supreme Court lawyer Dushyant Dave, and eminent writer Dash Benhur.
A special edition of Lokniti and a commemorative book on Baxipatra were unveiled, alongside the presentation of the Harishchandra Baxipatra Memorial Award.
Concluding his address, the Governor encapsulated Baxipatra’s legacy in one message: “Positions may come and go, but commitment to the people must remain steadfast.”
