Chakhi Khuntia (Chandan Hajuri)

Acharya Harihara A True Nationalist

Chandan Hajuri was born on the auspicious day of Samba Dashami, 20 January 1827 in Puri of Odisha to father Raghunath Khuntia alias Bhimasen Hajuri and mother Kamalabati. He was married to Sundarmani at the Age of 12. At a young age, he was taught Oriya, Sanskrit and Hindi literature to help him perform his duties in the Jagannath temple. He also learned traditional wrestling at Akharas and later, taught Wrestling and military exercises to the youths in Puri.
Chakhi Khuntia happened to be the family priest of Manubai, later renamed Lakshmibai after her marriage to Gangadhar Rao, the King of Jhansi. He played a crucial role in mobilizing the sepoys and organizing mutiny while traveling across the country as a Panda of the Jagannath Temple before the Indian Rebellion of 1857. At the time of the mutiny, he was stationed at a Northern Military Station. He was known to have maintained a direct contact with the rebel leadership during the Mutiny. Later, he was arrested inGaya and his properties were confiscated by the East Indian Company Government. In 1958, Hajuri was released from prison after being offered amnesty under the Queen’sproclamation of 1858 along with other Rebels.

Vision

ROOTS OF ODISHA FOUNDATION aims to harness the creative potentials of diverse range of people within Odisha and diaspora towards the growth and inclusive development of Odisha.

Mission

    To connect to all its roots and create a pillar force for the cause and concerns of Odisha and provide solutions for bringing rapid development

    To work upon the capacity building of people starting from most marginalised section in the areas of
    Education, Healthcare, Arts, culture.

    To Work in promoting the tourism, art, culture and heritage

    To create a knowledge network among Odia and Odia diasporas which will help in providing fresh perspective to Odisha’s development

    To engage the Odia knowledge network and harness their potential at various levels
    To Work for protecting the Nature and environment and make Odisha a Green State by 2035 and creating a path for sustainable development

    To work in promoting skill based education, healthcare women empowerment.