 |
| Mahatma Gandhi with Gokul Babu- December 1928 |
Mahatma Gandhi visited Sambalpur in 1928 and 1934
Mahatma
Gandhi visited Sambalpur for the first time in December 1928. During first visit,
he was hosted by Chandra Sekhar Behera. While parting, Chandra Sekhar said, “
Hope you will come again to this place ”. Chandra Sekhar Behera’s wish was
fulfilled in 1934.
Mahatma
Gandhi started his tour from Sambalpur
during his Harijan Movement in 1934. Mahatma
took part in Swaraj Conference at Ranchi on
2nd & 3rd May. From Ranchi, he reached
Jamshedpur via Chakradharpur on 4th May 1934. A Reception Committee
had already been formed at Sambalpur to welcome
Mahatma. Benimadhab Supkar, President of the reception committee went to
Jamshedpur to receive Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatmaji came by Bombay Mail to
Jharsuguda with Benimadhab Supkar and reached
Jharsuguda at 3 am early morning , on 5th May. Many dignitaries from Sambalpur and Jharsuguda
received him at Jharsuguda Rilway Station . Mahatm Gandhi went to the house
of Sibji Nathu Bhai for taking rest,
after arrival.
A general meeting was organized at Jharsuguda
in the morning. Gandhiji addressed the public and explained how untouchability was causing harm to the
society . Public of Jharsuguda collected Rupees
435 ten annas and 7 paise and handed over to Mahatma Gandhi . He came by
car to Sambalpur in the morning and stayed in the house of Dr Ramchandra Mishra
at Budharaja. Thakkar Bapa, Balaji
Govindji Deshai, journalist
Mr Bhutto, and Miraben had come along with Mahatma Gandhi to Sambalpur.
Mahatmaji
visited Harijan Bastis with Benimadhab Supkar, Nrusingh Guru, Nityananda
Bohidar in a car. Harijans handed over an amount of Rs 60/ to Mahatmaji. Janardan Supkar gifted a house near Fatak
Railway Station for Harijan Hostel , during Mahatma’s visit. Mahatmaji visited
a clinic meant for leprosy patients at Mudipara. The clinic does not exist
there, a water tank of PHD exist now.
In the
afternoon, Gandhi addressed a general meeting in sand bed at river Mahanadi. A temporary bridge
was constructed to cross water at Balunkeswar ghat. Benimadhab Supkar read the
welcome address. Gandhiji auctioned the gifts he received at the meeting place.
Total collection at the meeting was Rs 535 only.
Mahatma
Gandhi left for Cuttack by car in the evening.
