News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to freedom fighter Parbati Giri on the occasion of her birth centenary.
About Parbati Giri
- Parbati Giri was a prominent freedom fighter from Odisha.
- She was born on 19 January 1926 in the Bargarh district of Odisha.
- She is also known as the Mother Teresa of Western Odisha, and epithet as ‘Banhi-kanya’ (daughter of fire).
- She was inspired by Gandhism and adopted it as her way of life.
- Role in India’s Freedom struggle:
- She joined the freedom movement at the young age of 11.
- She travelled across villages spreading awareness and campaigning for Congress.
- She participated in direct Satyagraha and Gandhiji’s Khadi Andolan movement.
- She became a prominent young volunteer in Quit India Movement and led many rallies against Britishers.
- She had also staged an agitation at Bargarh Court to persuade the lawyers to boycott the erstwhile court in defiance of the British.
- She had taken tutelage at the famous Ashrams in Bari, Wardha, and Delhi Gandhi Sebashram.
- After India gained independence, she chose a path of selfless social service, believing that true freedom must reach the poorest.
- Her major contributions include establishing ashram for women, orphans and destitutes namely Kasturba Gandhi Matruniketan and Dr Santra Bal Niketan.
- She also dedicated her life in improving healthcare for tribal communities and supporting leprosy patients.
- Recognition: For her dedicated social work, she was awarded a prize in 1984 by the Dept. of Social Welfare of the Govt. of India.
- She also received an Honorary doctorate from the University of Sambalpur in 1988.
- Passing: Parbati Giri passed away on 17 August 1995 after a prolonged illness.
