Bhubaneswar: On this day in 1926, a boy was born in the small village of Nilakanthapur in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district. He would later become the youngest martyr in India’s freedom struggle.

Baji Rout’s story is one of rare courage and unwavering patriotism that continues to inspire generations even today. At the tender age of 12, Baji Rout laid down his life opposing British tyranny during the Prajamandal Andolan.

It was the night of October 10, 1938. British police forces attacked Bhuban village in Dhenkanal, arresting several villagers and local leaders without any reason. When people gathered outside the police station demanding their release, the police opened fire on them. Two villagers, Raghu Naik and Quri Naik, were killed in the firing, while many others were injured.

Fearing re

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