NRUSINGHA GURU: GANDHI OF WESTERN ODISHA
Nrusingha Guru, popularly known as ‘Gandhi of Western Odisha’ was a renowned freedom fighter, a journalist of repute, social reformer and Gandhian to the core. He was born in a remote village Gurupali under Sambalpur district on 24th March, 1902, on the auspicious full moon day (Purnima) of Phalguna and passed away on 2nd January, 1984 on the New Moon Day (Amabashya) of Pausha. He was born to give something to the mankind and not to take anything; a rare personality indeed. He never ran after fame, instead fame graced him always by virtue of his service to the mankind and sacrifice for the poor and the downtrodden.
Deeply influenced by Gandhian principles, Shri Guru was unshaken by all material temptations. He wore only a Khadi Dhoti and a Chadar from the moment he decided to be a sincere follower of Mahatma Gandhi. Besides the Dhoti, that covered up to his knees and the Chaddar that covered the upper part of his body, he also hung a Khadi bag on his left shoulder. Many a time, he faced humiliation for his attire. He adopted Gandhiji’s Swadeshi principle, in a wider sense and instead of imported sugar, he used the indigenous ‘Gur’ (Jaggery) prepared from Sugarcane juice. In place of machine made umbrellas, he used ‘Chhata’ made of Tal leaves or bamboo. Never did he use any kind of leather footwear but walked barefoot in all seasons. Shri Guru was a devout disciple of Gandhiji in true sense of the term.
Deeply influenced by Gandhian principles, Shri Guru was unshaken by all material temptations. He wore only a Khadi Dhoti and a Chadar from the moment he decided to be a sincere follower of Mahatma Gandhi. Besides the Dhoti, that covered up to his knees and the Chaddar that covered the upper part of his body, he also hung a Khadi bag on his left shoulder. Many a time, he faced humiliation for his attire. He adopted Gandhiji’s Swadeshi principle, in a wider sense and instead of imported sugar, he used the indigenous ‘Gur’ (Jaggery) prepared from Sugarcane juice. In place of machine made umbrellas, he used ‘Chhata’ made of Tal leaves or bamboo. Never did he use any kind of leather footwear but walked barefoot in all seasons. Shri Guru was a devout disciple of Gandhiji in true sense of the term.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Documentary by Doordarshan
IN COMMEMMORATION...
Nrusingha Guru Marg from Modipara Chowk to Khetrajpur Chowk
