Belaguntha, July 29 UDN}: At a time when many children today hesitate to care for their elderly parents and, in some cases, leave them in old-age homes, a heartwarming exception has emerged in Raghunath Vihar of Belaguntha town. In a remarkable gesture of love and respect, Sushant Kumar Pradhan, the son of late Raghunath Pradhan and Prafulla Kumari Pradhan, has established a colony in memory of his father and installed statues of both his parents in a specially constructed temple in front of his residence.
Sushant had earlier established a residential colony named Raghunath Vihar in memory of his father, Raghunath. Now, as a tribute to both his parents, he has constructed a dedicated temple in front of his house and installed their statues there. Through this noble initiative, he has set a unique example in the local community, demonstrating the importance of honouring and preserving the memory of one’s parents.
Belaguntha Tahasildar Kakakrishna Pradhan attended the programme as the chief guest and unveiled the two statues. Several other distinguished guests were also present, including former Asika Panchayat Samiti Chairman Suryakant Parida, Zilla Parishad member Anima Parida, Belaguntha Municipal Chairperson Firoz Kumar Sethi, Samiti Member Sudhanshu Sekhar Polai, and retired Executive Engineer of the Rural Development Department Sushant Kumar Mahapatra, along with several councillors and other dignitaries.
The guests present at the ceremony praised Sushant’s initiative, stating that constructing a temple in front of his house in memory of his parents and as an expression of his love and respect for them is an inspiring example for others to follow. They said that such gestures reflect the deep bond between parents and children and help preserve the memories and values passed down from one generation to the next.
Prashant Sahu, young social worker Manmaya Khatei, grandchildren Sohan Pradhan, Adyasha Pradhan and Asushya Pradhan, Sushant’s sister Nandini Pradhan, brother-in-law Laxmikanti Pradhan, niece Ashrishi Pradhan, Tutu Patnaik and Kalu Barad, along with relatives, friends and local residents, attended the programme and paid tribute to the late Pradhan couple by recalling their memories and contributions.
During the gathering, speakers also highlighted the influence of Sushant’s father, late Raghunath Pradhan, who was remembered as an ideal teacher. They noted that his values, character and positive influence had played an important role in shaping his son Sushant.
According to information available, the two statues were sculpted in black granite stone in Nayagarh and were brought to Belaguntha at a total cost of ₹1 lakh. The installation of the statues and the construction of the memorial temple have become a touching tribute to the late couple and a symbol of a son’s enduring love, gratitude and respect for his parents.
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