Book on freedom fighter and teacher Gadadhar Mahapatra unveiled in Jeypore

Koraput: A book capturing the journey of freedom fighter and teacher Gadadhar Mahapatra was unveiled at Jeypore to mark Teachers’ Day on Friday. The Koraput chapter of Intach, in association with COATS, organised the function at the Govt High School, where Mahapatra had served as a physical education teacher.Author and tribal researcher Paresh Rath, who penned the volume, said the work highlights Mahapatra’s patriotic zeal and his contributions to education. “His story is not only about courage but also about shaping generations as a teacher,” Rath said.Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati called the publication a fitting tribute to a man who balanced the roles of a freedom fighter and mentor. “This book will encourage today’s youth to carry forward the spirit of sacrifice and service to the nation,” he added.Mahapatra, born on July 15, 1921, in Jeypore, joined the British Indian Army in 1940. Two years later, he responded to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s call and joined the Indian National Army. He marched to Myanmar (then Burma), battled colonial forces, and was imprisoned — first under the Japanese and later in Rangoon Central Jail and Sultan Jail — before his release in 1946.Post-Independence, he returned home to dedicate himself to teaching, serving as a PET. Mahapatra passed away in 2001 at the age of 80.