CM announces Madho Singh memorial at Ghess village

Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday announced construction of Rs 6.26 crore Shaheed Madho Singh memorial at Ghess village in Bargarh district.The memorial complex will include the martyr’s statue, a welcome arch and a community centre. In addition, Ghess village, which is the birthplace of Shaheed Madho Singh, will be developed under the Baraputra Heritage Village Scheme with an investment of Rs 15 crore. This will be part of the state’s tribute to Madho Singh, who was a key leader of Odisha’s tribal resistance during the first war of Indian Independence in 1857.He announced renaming of Ghess College as Shaheed Madho Singh Memorial College. A girls’ hostel with 100 seats will come up at the college at a cost of Rs 4.40 crore, along with comprehensive infrastructure upgradation of the institution.Addressing the gathering, Majhi said the sacrifice of Shaheed Madho Singh was rare not only in India but in world history, noting that the martyr laid down his life along with his 4 sons for the nation. He said patriots like Madho Singh brought glory to humanity through their supreme sacrifice.Highlighting the contribution of tribal communities, the chief minister said they played a vital role not only in armed resistance but also in building social harmony and order. He appreciated the Binjhal community and the Adivasi Kalyan Sangh for preserving the legacy of the martyr and passing it on to future generations.He reiterated the state govt’s commitment to honouring great sons of the soil by developing their birthplaces and familiarising the younger generation with their ideals to strengthen Odia pride and identity.To curb school dropouts among tribal students, Majhi said the govt launched the Shaheed Madho Singh Hatkharcha Scheme, under which students of classes IX and XI receive one-time assistance of Rs 5,000. He said 100 students from Ghess gram panchayat have already benefitted from the scheme.