September 13th 2024.
Recently, a statement from the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan about TE Ravenshaw caused quite a stir in the state of Cuttack. The issue sparked a debate among the citizens, shedding light on another significant historical site in the Silver City. The city's intellectuals have come together to urge the state government to restore the Idgah Ground, a place that holds cultural and academic significance in the state's history. This ground holds a special place in the hearts of Odisha's proud figures, such as Madhusudan Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, and Maharaja Krushna Chandra, as it was the location of the first general meeting of Utkal Sammilani in 1903, where they fought for a separate state.
It is unfortunate that, even as the state celebrates Utkal Diwas to commemorate this significant event, the Idgah Ground remains in ruins, with no discussion or action taken to restore it. It is worth noting that Madhusudan Das, a respected figure in Odisha, began his fight for a separate state from this very spot, and after 36 years, Odisha finally gained independence based on language. The government had granted ROR (right of occupancy) to Utkal Sammilani, but no notable efforts have been made to revitalize the site. Many patriotic organizations have raised their voices, requesting the government to bring attention to this place and give it the recognition it deserves.
Despite these efforts, the site remains neglected, and the president of the Thinkers' Club, Barada Prasanna Das, recently presented a memorandum to the deputy chief minister of Cuttack, emphasizing the importance of restoring the Idgah Ground and the efforts needed to do so. He has urged the intellectuals of the state to contemplate this issue and provide suitable suggestions to the state government. The Cuttack Development Authority had constructed a pedestal with a plate in 2003, but that was deemed to be the extent of their responsibility. Das has called upon the ministers, intellectuals, and all conscious citizens to visit this historic site and reignite the spirit of patriotism within themselves. "As proud Odias, it is our duty to honor our heritage and work towards restoring its lost glory," he said.
It is high time that this issue is given the attention it deserves, and it is up to the people of Cuttack to take action and make a positive change. Let us all join hands and strive to bring back the past glory of the Idgah Ground, a place that holds immense value in the cultural and academic history of our state.
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