Bhubaneswar, Oct 9: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and deputy chief ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida on Thursday paid heartfelt tribute to Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das on his birth anniversary.
Taking to his official ‘X’ handle, CM Majhi offered heartfelt tribute to Das and remarked that his deep sense of patriotism, unwavering commitment to social reform, and his lasting contributions to education, literature, and journalism will always be remembered and revered by generations to come.
“On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das — a great freedom fighter, one of the key architects in the formation of a separate Odisha state, and a symbol of selfless service and devoted sacrifice — I offer my heartfelt tribute and respectful salutations. His deep patriotism, unwavering commitment to social reform, and invaluable contributions to the fields of education, literature, and journalism will forever keep him remembered and revered,” he wrote.
Similarly, Singh Deo also paid heartfelt tribute and said that Das’s sacrifice, dedicated service, and tireless struggle for the Odia language and land will always be remembered and cherished by every Odia.
“Heartfelt tribute on the birth anniversary of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, the pride of Odia soil and a great freedom fighter. His sacrifice, service, and struggle for the Odia language and land will forever remain memorable for every Odia,” he wrote in a post on ‘X’.
Pravati Parida offered crores of salutations to Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das on his birth anniversary. She described him as a great freedom fighter of the independence movement, a staunch nationalist.
“Crores of salutations are offered on the birth anniversary of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das — a great freedom fighter of the independence movement, a staunch nationalist, social reformer, distinguished literary figure, and the founder of several institutions, including ‘The Samaja’ newspaper and Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya (a national school),” she wrote in a post on ‘X’.
It is worth noting that Pandit Gopabandhu Das, a revered freedom fighter and social reformer, was born on October 9, 1877, into a Brahmin family in Suando village, situated on the banks of the Bhargabhi River in Puri district. His father was Daitari Dash, and his mother was Swarnamayee Devi.
He completed his Bachelor of Arts from Ravenshaw College in 1904 and went on to earn both an MA and an LLB from Calcutta University in 1906. Known for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the poor and marginalized, Gopabandhu Das played a significant role in India’s freedom struggle.
Between 1917 and 1921, he served as a member of the Bihar and Odisha Legislative Assembly, where he advocated for the rights and development of the people of Odisha.
As an administrator and public servant, he initiated numerous efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of those affected by recurring natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, and famines, as well as combating social issues like illiteracy, poverty, and disease.
A pioneer in journalism and public discourse, Pandit Gopabandhu Das founded the Odia newspaper The Samaja, which began its publication on October 4, 1919, and went on to become a powerful voice for social and political change in Odisha.
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