Odisha Commemorates Gopabandhu Das's Birth Anniversary

Bhubaneswar, Oct 9 (PTI) Odisha on Thursday commemorated the birth anniversary of 'Utkalmani' Gopabandhu Das, a distinguished social worker, reformer, journalist, and freedom fighter. Tributes poured in from various quarters, celebrating his enduring legacy.

The Odisha Governor, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, paid homage through a post on X, highlighting Gopabandhu Das's vital contributions to the freedom struggle and his dedication to enriching the Odia language and literature. "On the birth anniversary of Utkalamani Pandit #Gopabandhudas, the Hon'ble Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati has offered devout tributes. The Hon'ble Governor has stated that his contributions to the freedom struggle, selfless service, and noble efforts to enrich the Odia language and literature will make him ever memorable."

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, BJP state president Manmohan Samal, and numerous dignitaries paid floral tributes at Gopabandhu's statue located on the premises of the state Assembly. Majhi, in a heartfelt social media post, celebrated Gopabandhu Das as a key leader in establishing a separate Odisha province. "On the occasion of the birth anniversary of the great freedom fighter, a key architect of the formation of a separate Odisha province, a symbol of selfless service and dedicated sacrifice, Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, I offer my heartfelt tribute and salutations. His profound patriotism, commitment to social reform, and contributions to the fields of education, literature, and journalism will ensure that he remains forever remembered and revered."

The Leader of Opposition and BJD president, Naveen Patnaik, also paid tribute, labeling him as the "life force of the Odia community." "On the birth anniversary of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, the life force of the Odia community, I offer my respectful homage. He dedicated his life to the service of the people. Along with enriching Odia language and literature, his life of selfless sacrifice for the upliftment of the people remains an eternal source of inspiration."

OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das praised Gopabandhu as the pioneer of the freedom movement in Odisha. He described him as the gem of Utkal whose humanitarian efforts continue to inspire. "He was a symbol of sacrifice, service, and humanity, and dedicated his life to serving the distressed and the poor. His ideals and teachings continue to inspire the people of Odisha even today."

Born on October 9, 1877, in the village of Suando in Puri district, Gopabandhu Das was bestowed with the honorable title 'Utkalmani' (Gem of Odisha) by the notable Bengali chemist and educationist Prafulla Chandra Roy, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Odisha. Gopabandhu Das served as the first President of the Congress party in Odisha from 1920 until 1928. Unfortunately, he passed away following a prolonged illness on July 17, 1928.