Across Odisha, rich tributes were paid to legendary freedom fighter Utkalamani Pandit Gopabandhu Das on his birth anniversary today. In the state, the day is known as Gopabandhu Jayanti.
Utkalmani Gopabandhu is known as the Gandhi of Odisha because of his enormous contribution to Odisha in the fields of social reform, journalism, and literature.
His efforts to bring about change in orthodox society, as well as his role in accelerating social movements, selfless service, and educational reform, earned him the title ‘Utkalmani’ (Gem of Odisha). Odisha was previously known as Utkal.
Puri Seva Samiti, a non-profit organisation, was founded by him to assist cholera victims. Later, the movement resulted in the establishment of a separate hospital in the district for cholera patients.
Born on October 9, 1877, in Suando village near Puri to Swarnamayee Devi and Daitari Das, he was instrumental in establishing Odisha as India’s first official linguistic state in 1936. His contribution to Odisha in establishing a separate province will be remembered by future generations.
He was a well-known poet and writer. His works such as Kara Kabita, Chilika, Dharmapada, and Bandi Ra Atma Katha attest to his literary abilities.
Odisha’s press freedom was pioneered by Gopabandhu. He was the Lok Sevak Mandal’s national vice president. He was a prominent figure in Odia journalism. In 1914, he launched the monthly magazine ‘Satyabadi.’ Later, in 1919, he founded the weekly newspaper ‘The Samaj,’ which was once a leading daily in Odisha. He was the Editor of ‘Samaj’ until his death.