BILASPUR : Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, inaugurated a national seminar honoring Martyr Baji Rout on October 3, 2026. The two-day national seminar highlights the sacrifice of India’s youngest freedom fighter. Scholars gathered at the Rajat Jayanti Sabhagar of the NAAC A++ accredited Central University. The academic event focuses on regional movements and youth resistance.
National Seminar Honors Martyr Baji Rout at Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya
The Martyr Baji Rout National Seminar officially opened with an inspiring inaugural ceremony on October 3, 2026. Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya organized this event to spotlight lesser-known heroes of the freedom struggle. The two-day seminar, held across October 3 and 4, explores youth resistance and nationalism.
Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal, Vice-Chancellor of Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, presided over the opening session. He praised Baji Rout for his unmatched courage and devotion. Furthermore, Prof. Chakrawal stated that universities carry a crucial responsibility to bring regional freedom movements into mainstream education.
| Metric / Parameter | Event Details & Specifications |
| Event Name | National Seminar on Martyr Baji Rout |
| Theme | Youth, Resistance, Nationalism & the Making of Modern India |
| Date & Venue | October 3–4, 2026 | Rajat Jayanti Sabhagar, GGV Bilaspur |
| Presided By | Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal (Vice-Chancellor, GGV) |
| Chief Guest | Prof. Basant Kumar Panda (Former Director, Classical Odia) |
| Key Outcome | MoU Signed Between GGV Bilaspur and Utkal University |
| Total Outreach | 200 Registrations | 300+ Active Academic Participants |
Key Dignitaries Emphasize Youth Participation and Historic Accuracy
Prof. Basant Kumar Panda attended as the Chief Guest. He previously served as Director at the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Odia. He praised the courage of Odisha’s people’s movements during colonial rule. He urged the academic community to teach young students about local historic sacrifices.
Special Guest of Honour Prof. Nilambari Dave, former Vice-Chancellor of Saurashtra University, emphasized linking history with social responsibility. She advocated for proper recognition of regional martyrs within academic curricula.
Distinguished speaker Prof. Chandi Prasad Nanda, Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University, discussed local documentation. He highlighted folklore and archives as essential tools to understand regional resistance movements. Keynote speaker Dr. Krishna Chandra Aich, President of the Shaheed Baji Rout Memorial Foundation, detailed the historical background of the young martyr’s ultimate sacrifice.
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Historic MoU Signed Between GGV and Utkal University
A major highlight of the Martyr Baji Rout National Seminar was the ceremonial release of the official seminar souvenir. Additionally, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. This partnership aims to promote collaborative research on regional freedom struggles and historical documentation.
| Region / State | Key Participant Groups | Estimated Attendance |
| Chhattisgarh (Host State) | Faculty Members, Research Scholars, Local Students | 180+ Participants |
| Odisha | Guest Speakers, Historians, Keynote Presenters | 60+ Delegates |
| West Bengal & New Delhi | Subject Experts, External Scholars | 60+ Delegates |
| Total Engagement | Combined Academic Community | 300 Attendees (200 Registered) |
The ceremony began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, Saraswati Vandana, and Vande Mataram. Organizers welcomed guests with saplings, shawls, and mementoes. Prof. Manish Shrivastava delivered the welcome address, while Convener Prof. Ramkrishna Pradhan introduced the seminar theme.
Princy Matlani conducted the stage proceedings effectively. Registrar Prof. Ashwini Kumar Dixit extended the official vote of thanks.
Academic Plenary Sessions Explore the Prajamandal Movement
The first plenary session focused on “Baji Rout, the Prajamandal Movement, and Youth Participation in the Freedom Struggle”. Renowned scholars, including Dr. Prabhat Malik, Prof. Minketan Behera, Dr. Mridula Mishra, and Prof. Amitava Chatterjee, presented detailed papers.
The parallel technical session examined the Dhenkanal Prajamandal Movement in depth. Scholars discussed how twelve-year-old Baji Rout resisted British forces at the Brahmani River in 1938. His defiance remains a timeless symbol of youth resistance and national pride.
The Martyr Baji Rout National Seminar continues to foster scholarly exchanges. It inspires young researchers to document unsung heroes across India.