I express my sincere thanks and deep gratitude to the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers, Odisha State Co-ordination Committee, and the All India Postal and RMS Pensioners' Association, Odisha State Committee for jointly organizing the 3rd Remembrance Day of the legendary trade union leader Com. Banshidhar Mohanty.
The programme was presided over by senior leader Com. Shiba Chandra Dash and was inaugurated by veteran leader Com. Gajendra Nath Mohanty. The Convenor of the Remembrance Day and a key organiser, Com. Rabindranath Dhal, set the tone of the meeting by presenting a heartfelt memorial report on the life and legacy of Com. Mohanty.
Several distinguished comrades and dignitaries graced the occasion with their thoughtful addresses and respectful tributes, including Sj. Subash Singh (Mayor, CMC) Com. Bishnu Mohanty, Com. Rabinarayan Mallick, Com. Dusmant Das, Com. Prakash Ray, Com. Abhay Dash, Com. Pradip Sinha, Com. Gokulananda Behera, Com. Sapan Mohanty, Sj. Lalitendu Pradhan, Dr. Sujata Mohanty, Managovind Barik, Purusottam Chuli and many others. Their reflections brought alive the spirit, sacrifice, and struggle that Com. Mohanty embodied throughout his life. The meeting concluded with a warm and thoughtful vote of thanks delivered by Com. H. K. Mohanty.
As the General Secretary of the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers, Odisha State CoC, I felt privileged and honoured to participate in this solemn occasion and offer my poetic tribute “Comrade of Struggle, Sage of Light” to the towering personality who was more than a leader — he was a karmayogi, a saint in action, and a moral beacon for the working-class movement in Odisha.
Com. Banshidhar Mohanty led without greed, spoke without fear, and lived without ego. He devoted his life to truth, justice, and love — not just as ideals, but as a way of being. The most meaningful homage we can offer him is by carrying forward his values, his courage, and his undying commitment to the cause of the oppressed.
With folded hands, I pray for peace to his noble soul and humbly appeal to every member of the working class to draw inspiration from his life and walk steadfastly along the path he illuminated — a path of service, solidarity, and self-sacrifice.
In solidarity and remembrance,
Bruhaspati Samal
General Secretary
Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers, Odisha State CoC
“Comrade of Struggle, Sage of Light”
(A poetic tribute to Com. Banshidhar Mohanty)
In lands where souls choose calm or fight,
He walked both paths with equal might.
A monk in thought, a warrior true,
With a heart so vast, and aims so few.
For workers’ rights he stood so tall,
With the union's voice, he’d never fall.
Four decades long, his pen would write
For unity, for truth, for justice, for right.
He built the councils, formed the front,
He bore the burdens at the brunt.
The struggling voice, the fearless stand,
He stitched with care across the land.
Yet what made him a star above,
Was not just work, but boundless love.
A saint in soul, a sage in deed,
A Brahmachari - he was free of greed.
He spoke the Gita’s quiet flame,
Yet led the strikes with a roaring name.
No caste he knew, nor pride, nor wall,
To him, the world was kin to all.
In simple garb, he fed the poor,
He asked for none, yet gave much more.
His ashram echoes still today,
With chants of peace and dharma’s way.
He knew the mighty, walked with grace,
Yet ego found no home, no place.
To power, he gave not his heart —
His only throne: the people’s part.
Till final breath, he bore the flame,
Of justice, peace, and duty’s name.
On twenty-seventh July he passed,
But in our hearts, his light shall last.
He showed how one can lead, not own,
Speak truth with calm, and walk alone.
A soul so rare — beyond all fame,
We whisper still his sacred name.
O Budhabapa, guide us still,
To climb with truth the hardest hill.
Saint of struggle, shine above —
With hands of fire and heart of love.
Om Shanti.
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