Bhubaneswar, May 25: Age is just a number for 78-year-old Surendra Nath Gouda, fondly known as ‘Baba’ among fitness enthusiasts in the capital city. While many slow down at this age, Surendra continues to hit the gym every day, performing push-ups, dips, squats and intense workouts with remarkable energy, leaving youngsters astonished by his fitness and discipline.
A legendary figure in Odisha’s bodybuilding circuit during the 1970s, Surendra once ruled the stage with his impressive physique and later earned the prestigious ‘Mr Kalinga’ title in state-level bodybuilding competitions. Today, decades later, he remains a living inspiration for generations of bodybuilders.
Originally from Ganjam district and now settled in Bhubaneswar, Surendra owns the famous Royal Club gym near BMC Kalyan Mandap in Unit-8. For nearly five decades, the gym has been nurturing young fitness aspirants and producing several talented bodybuilders who have represented Odisha in various competitions.
Known for his simple yet disciplined lifestyle, Surendra built his physique in an era when modern supplements and advanced fitness equipment were unavailable. His daily diet consisted of desi ghee, milk, fruits, sprouted moong and gram. After completing his studies at BJB College, he dedicated himself to bodybuilding at a time when gym culture was only beginning to emerge in Bhubaneswar.
In the 1960s, Surendra would often cycle from Bhubaneswar to Puri along with friends just for exercise and training sessions. Later, he also trained in Cuttack to sharpen his skills. Inspired by legendary wrestler Gama Pahalwan, he established Bhubaneswar’s first open-air gym at Unit-8 in 1966, laying the foundation for bodybuilding culture in the city.
What began as a small fitness space gradually became a hub for aspiring youths from Rasulgarh, Station Bazaar, Old Town, Shampur and nearby areas. Many government employees and local youngsters joined the gym to build strength and maintain fitness.
Between 1971 and 1974, Surendra participated in several state-level bodybuilding competitions held across Odisha and emerged as one of the leading bodybuilders of his time. His name was counted among iconic fitness personalities like Prithviraj Das of Balasore, Girija Behera of Berhampur, Suresh Parida of Sambalpur and Trinath Palei of Phulbani.
Despite later joining government service in the Agriculture Department and eventually retiring as a Director-level officer, Surendra never distanced himself from bodybuilding. Even after retirement, he continued mentoring youngsters through the gym he built with his own hands.
Today, Surendra Nath Gouda remains more than just a fitness trainer. For hundreds of youths, he is a mentor, motivator and symbol of healthy living. His energy, humility and dedication continue to inspire Bhubaneswar’s fitness community, proving that passion and discipline can keep a person forever young.
