Mangaluru
MLA Ashok Kumar Rai has announced that the main road in Uppinangady will be named after Manja Baidya, a celebrated freedom fighter and martyr from the Billava community. Alongside this, a statue of Baidya will be unveiled at Gejjegeiri to commemorate his sacrifice.
Manja Baidya was executed by the British on May 27, 1837, in Mangaluru, for his active participation in the Kalyanappa’s Katukai farmer rebellion. This uprising, triggered by high taxes and forced cash payments imposed by the British, took place two decades before the First War of Independence in 1857. The rebellion was led by Kedambadi Ramayya Gowda, whose forces temporarily took control of Dakshina Kannada by hoisting a revolutionary flag at the district collector’s office on April 5, 1837.
For 13 days, the region was free from British rule before colonial forces suppressed the revolt. Many rebels lost their lives or were imprisoned, including Manja Baidya, who was sentenced to death by hanging following a court-martial.
MLA Rai emphasized that despite Baidya’s sacrifice nearly two centuries ago, no memorials existed to honor him until now. The road naming and statue will serve as a lasting tribute to his courage and help keep the memory of his fight for freedom alive among future generations.