Kendrapada: At 101, Padmacharan Nayak of Badakula village in Kendrapada district, among Odisha’s oldest surviving freedom fighters, continues to keep a close watch on national developments and believes the country’s youth can drive transformative change.Born Jan 30, 1926, the Gandhian leader and former MLA remains active and in good health. He sees the growing activism among young people across the country as an encouraging trend. “The movements of youths in different parts of the country are a positive sign. Corrupt politicians and bureaucrats are responsible for many of the problems facing young people. Unemployment is rising as govts have failed to develop agro-based and cottage industries adequately,” Nayak said.Recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj and village-based industries, he said India needed a decentralised and self-reliant rural economy. “Gen Z represents a powerful glimmer of hope,” he said.Nayak joined the freedom movement while studying at Ravenshaw College. Even today, he regards his participation in the struggle for Independence as one of the most fulfilling phases of his life. One of his cherished memories is hearing Gandhiji speak during the latter’s last visit to Odisha in 1946. Gandhi, travelling by train from then Calcutta to Madras, addressed gatherings at several railway stations in Odisha, including Cuttack, Balasore, Bhadrak and Berhampur. Nayak heard Gandhi’s brief address at Cuttack railway station.A long-time campaigner against alcohol addiction, Nayak expressed concern over the growing availability of liquor and narcotics in the state. According to him, easy access to intoxicants has fuelled anti-social activities and addiction among youths.“Gandhi campaigned against alcohol consumption. Today, liquor is flowing like water in our state. It is time the govt considered total prohibition,” he said, citing Gujarat and Bihar as examples.He is currently the president of anti-liquor advocacy group, Milita Odisha Nisha Nibarana Abhijan (MONNA). “Age is just a number for him. Even now, he campaigns vigorously for total prohibition in the state. He should be a role model for the younger generation,” said Ramakanta Mandal, secretary of MONNA.The veteran freedom fighter also voiced disappointment over the functioning of politicians and bureaucrats after Independence. Referring to a controversial remark attributed to former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill about India’s future after Independence, Nayak said many people believe parts of that warning have come true.He, however, dismisses external threats as the country’s biggest challenge. “The main enemy of the country is the venal politics of today,” he said, urging citizens to perform their duties with honesty and sincerity.A chemistry graduate from Ravenshaw College, Nayak was elected as an Independent MLA from Rajnagar assembly constituency in 1961. Nayak has authored several books, including ‘Anirabana’, a biography of freedom fighter and former Odisha chief minister Nabakrushna Choudhury.Nayak’s wife passed away three years ago. He is survived by a son and a daughter.
