Sambalpur: Various speakers discussed the contribution of Madho Singh and his four sons, who took up a tough fight against the British regime and sacrificed their lives, at an event organised here recently.

Speakers at the meet felt that the nation was yet to provide proper recognition to Singh's family. Writer and historian Sashanka Sekher Panda and members of the Sahid Sruti Samiti of Ghensa have urged the government to take steps to publish a book on Madho Singh's family and establish a library for the next generation.

Singh belonged to the zamindar family of Ghensa in Bargarh district. Almost all his family members joined the freedom struggle, and in the process, lost their lives.

Historian Amritlal Sahu, who was the chief guest at the event, said: "Singh's revolt against the British had started much before the Sepoy Mutiny. His four sons and son-in-law had joined the revolt against the British and sacrificed their lives.

Every year, Balidan Divas is organised to pay tribute to the martyr's family. The Odisha Sanskrutik Samaj and the district administration jointly organise the event.

Madho Singh was hanged on December 31, 1858, by the British. In 1856, his elder son Hatey Singh was arrested and sent to Kalapani, where he died later. His second son Kunjel Singh was hanged in Sambalpur jail.

The third son, Bairi Singh, was imprisoned for life and he died in the Sambalpur jail.

The fourth son, Aiari Singh, died of suffocation when the British set the forest on fire where he was hiding in a cave.

Madho Singh's son-in-law Bir Narayan Singh was also hanged by the British.

Singh and his family members were active members of an organisation "Ulgulan" formed by the freedom fighter, Veer Surendra Sai. They raised their voice against the British 30 years before the Sepoy mutiny.

Singh was a trusted member of Sai and he was given the responsibility to check the British movement.