The Union Cabinet has given the green light to change the name of Jharsuguda Airport in Odisha to “Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda.” Veer Surendra Sai, a renowned freedom fighter from Odisha, played a vital role in India’s first struggle for freedom in 1857. His protest against the British began at the young age of 18 in 1827 and continued in the hilly areas of Western Orissa until 1862 when he surrendered.
Biography
- Surendra Sai, born in 1809 in Sambalpur District, was a courageous leader descended from the Chauhan dynasty. His father was in line for the Sambalpur throne.
- Sambalpur went through Maratha occupation from 1808 to 1817. After the Third Anglo-Maratha War, the British restored it to the Chauhan kings as puppets.
- In 1827, after the ruler’s death, the British placed Queen Rani Mohan Kumari on the throne, later replaced by Narayan Singh in 1833. Both reigns were unpopular as the British controlled the state.
- Through the Doctrine of Lapse, Sambalpur was annexed in 1849. This situation fueled rebellion, with Surendra Sai emerging as a leader, supported by Zamindars and tribal people.
- Imprisoned in 1840, Sai was freed during the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857. He led a force of 1500 men in guerrilla warfare against the British until 1862.
- Despite government measures, Sai continued his fight for freedom. In 1864, betrayed by a spy, he was captured and sent to Asirgarh fort jail in present-day Madhya Pradesh.
- He spent 20 years in jail, losing his eyesight. In 1862, Sambalpur was transferred to the Central Provinces.
- Veer Surendra Sai passed away in Asirgarh Jail on February 28, 1884.
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