Odisha’s First Memorial Temples Dedicated to Freedom Fighter Martyr Laxman Nayak Inaugurated at Two Locations in Malkangiri District

Malkangiri, May 15:  Under the guidance of renowned social reformer and humanitarian Padma Shri Baba Balia, memorial temples dedicated to the martyr  Laxman Nayak were inaugurated today at the Women’s College campus in Malkangiri and at the Jagannath Temple premises in Mathuli. The temples have now been opened to the public.
While temples are generally established for various deities, this is the first time in Odisha that statues of martyr Laxman Nayak have been installed inside temples and worshipped at two separate locations in Malkangiri district. This is considered a rare and remarkable event not only in Odisha but across India.
The initiative is seen as a fitting tribute to the freedom fighter and brave son of the soil who sacrificed his life for the motherland. The memorial temples were inaugurated by Additional District Magistrate (General) Somnath Pradhan under the guidance of Odisha’s noted social reformer and Vishnu devotee Padma Shri Baba Balia.
During the ceremony, Baba Balia addressed the people of Odisha virtually and urged them to draw inspiration from the courage, patriotism, sacrifice, and dedication of martyr Laxman Nayak and devote themselves to the progress and development of Odisha and India.
He further stated that constructing temples in memory of such immortal sons of the nation, offering regular worship, and inspiring people by remembering their contributions to the country can be regarded as a true mark of respect for them.
Additional District Magistrate Somnath Pradhan highlighted the life and struggles of martyr Laxman Nayak and remarked that the birth of such a great personality in a remote region like Malkangiri was nothing short of extraordinary.
The event was attended by Women’s Higher Secondary School Principal Dushmanta Kumar Jena, teachers and lecturers of the Women’s College, Principal of Satya Narayan Higher Secondary Science College Sanjay Kumar Panigrahi, students of the Women’s Higher Secondary School, distinguished citizens of the district, and members of the media.