PM, Odisha Governor, CM pay tributes to freedom fighter Parbati Giri on birth centenary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi , Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati , Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and several other prominent leaders on Monday paid tributes to freedom fighter and social reformer Parbati (Prabati) Giri on her birth centenary.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik also remembered Giri, recalling her contributions to India’s freedom struggle and post-Independence social service.

Born on January 19, 1926 , at Samlaipadar village in Bargarh district , Parbati Giri was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and joined the Quit India Movement at the age of just 16 years . For her participation in the movement, she was imprisoned for nearly two years by the British authorities .

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said Giri played a commendable role in the movement to end colonial rule and noted her passion for community service. He highlighted her work in healthcare, women’s empowerment and cultural development , adding that he had also referred to her contributions in last month’s episode of Mann Ki Baat .

Governor Kambhampati said Giri’s lifelong service for the welfare of the poor and helpless, along with her efforts towards women’s empowerment, would remain an eternal source of inspiration.

Chief Minister Majhi hailed her as “Odisha’s daughter of fire” , describing her as a unique symbol of service and sacrifice. “From the freedom movement to social service, her contribution remains forever unforgettable,” he said.

Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said Giri’s struggle and sacrifices for the country’s Independence were unparalleled and that her work for tribal welfare continued to inspire generations. Dharmendra Pradhan described her as the embodiment of Odisha’s pride, service and sacrifice, stating that her ideals in women’s empowerment and social service would remain immortal.

Parbati Giri: A Teenager Who Took on the British Empire

As the nation marks her birth centenary, Parbati Giri’s life stands as a powerful reminder of the role played by young women in India’s freedom struggle , particularly in the rural heartlands.

Deeply influenced by Gandhian ideals from an early age, she answered Mahatma Gandhi’s call during the Quit India Movement of 1942 , actively mobilising people in villages of western Odisha. She helped spread nationalist consciousness and encouraged resistance against British authority at a time when women’s participation in public life was limited.

Her activities led to her arrest by the colonial administration, and she was imprisoned for nearly two years , a rare and bold sacrifice for a teenage girl of that era. Though her role remained largely at the grassroots level and away from national prominence, historians note that such local participation was crucial in strengthening the mass character of the freedom movement in Odisha.

After Independence, Giri chose a life of social service over political office , dedicating herself to the welfare of women, tribals and the poor. Her work in healthcare, women’s empowerment and social reform earned her widespread respect.

Parbati Giri passed away on April 23, 1995 , but her legacy continues to inspire generations. On her birth centenary, leaders across party lines recalled her youthful bravery, sacrifice and lifelong commitment to the nation, reaffirming her place among Odisha’s most respected freedom fighters.