Chief minister Naveen Patnaik at a photo exhibition on freedom fighters in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 2: Saraswati Debi (89) today recalled her association with Mahatma Gandhi. “I was only 12-years-old when Gandhi came to Puri district. I had cleaned the road before his arrival. My life changed after coming in contact with the great leader. I dedicated my life to the cause of the country.”

Even as she looked back on the glory days of her youth, Saraswati Debi couldn’t help but complain about the way things have turned out in the country whose freedom she fought for. “Even at this age, I cannot get access to the state’s government’s health facilities. The health minister had said he would provide healthcare services to all, but I haven’t received any help. Corruption is all pervasive in the society. We are being denied even this basic facility,” she said.

Saraswati Debi was among nearly 400 freedom fighters who assembled here today to commemorate the 24th Freedom Fighter’s Day, organised by the State Freedom Fighters’ Samiti and Saheed Smaraki Swadhinata Sangrami Sadan Trust.

Responding to the freedom fighters’ allegations, chairman of the trust and MP Bhratuhari Mohapatra said that the trust would pursue the matter with the state government.

Expressing concern at the growing rate of corruption in the country, the association in a resolution urged the authorities to bring the Prime Minister and the chief ministers under the purview of the Lokayukta and Lokpal respectively. The All India Freedom Fighters’ Association general secretary V.S. Mathad moved the resolution.

The association also expressed concern over the rise in Maoists activities in the country and urged that people respect the Constitution.

The Orissa Freedom Fighters’ Association demanded uniformity in pension at the all-India level. “Freedom fighters in other states get a lot of facilities that their counterparts in Orissa are denied. The pension amount should be hiked from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000,” said president, Orissa State Swadhinata Sangarami Samiti, Purussotam Nayak.

Speaking on the occasion, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said: “Orissa’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle was immense. All efforts will be made to give due respect and dignity to freedom fighters.”

Finance minister Prafulla Ghadei said: “The government will soon call a meeting to address problems faced by the freedom fighters. Their pension has already been enhanced from Rs 500 to Rs 2,000,” he said while promising to consider the demand for its increase.