Bhubaneswar: Sambalpur MP and former Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday hailed Saheed Baji Rout as an enduring symbol of courage, patriotism and sacrifice, saying the youngest martyr of India’s freedom struggle continues to inspire generations of youth.Participating in a Tiranga rally at Nilakanthapur in Bhuban, Dhenkanal district, the birthplace of Baji Rout, Pradhan said it would be developed not merely as a memorial site, but as a unique centre of inspiration for future generations. Recalling the region’s role in the freedom movement, he highlighted the contributions of freedom fighters such as Sarangadhar Das, Baishnab Charan Pattnaik, Musa Mallik and Pabitra Mohan Pradhan.Noting that the need today is to live for the country, he urged the youth to embrace technology, stay away from addiction, become self-reliant and contribute to nation-building.
