The Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) is set to honour 160 young freedom fighters who died between 1857 and 1947. The programme, themed 'martyrs under 20 years', will feature exhibitions, seminars, and youth conclaves from May 2026.
The first leg of the programme will be held in Odisha, coinciding with the birth centenary of Baji Rout, India's youngest freedom fighter and martyr who was shot dead by British police at the age of 12.
The activities will highlight stories of teenage victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, young revolutionaries like Khudiram Bose and Kanaklata Barua, and child martyrs like Kali Bai.
The programme aims to spread awareness among youth and students about the sacrifice and patriotism of freedom fighters and instill love for the motherland and a sense of national responsibility among the younger generation.
