Tuhina Sahoo
As India marks its 78th Independence Day, the nation pauses to remember not only the towering figures of the freedom struggle but also the unsung heroes who, with unwavering dedication, followed Mahatma Gandhi's path. One such hero was Nilambar Das, affectionately known as "Balasore Gandhi," a man who embodied self-sacrifice, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to the service of his people.
Born on 13th February 1903 in Sahidnagar village near Soro in Odisha’s Balasore district, Nilambar Das was the only son of Ramprasad Das and Sashimani Devi. From an early age, he was driven by a thirst for knowledge, which led his father to send him to the District School in Balasore. where he was topping the class, However, his life took a decisive turn when he was deeply moved by Mahatma Gandhi’s clarion call to join the freedom struggle. At just 18, he and his fellow students participated in a hartal against the Rowlatt Act, marking the beginning of his lifelong commitment to the cause of independence.
In 1921, when about 700 high school students from Odisha joined the non-cooperation movement, most eventually returned to their studies. Yet, a determined few, including Nilambar Das, chose to continue the fight against British rule. He was greatly inspired by Pandit Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, who addressed a big meeting at Balasore town and attracted Nilambar and other few patriots to Gandhiji's freedom movement subsequently
Under Harekrushna Mahtab's guidance, Nilambar actively participated in a series of campaigns, including picketing, promoting the boycott of foreign goods, spinning yarn on the charkha, garnering Congress membership, and raising funds for the Tilak Swaraj Fund across undivided Balasore district. He was also tasked with organizing Congress activities in the Basta and Singla areas, where he worked tirelessly to maintain communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims. In Kainnagari village, he established a yarn spinning center, which produced 10 maunds of yarn each month, providing a modest income for the local poor.
In 1926, under the guidance of the revered leader Gopabandhu Das, Nilambar married Krushnapriya Devi, who became his steadfast partner in struggle for independence. Together, they dedicated themselves to the cause, with Krushnapriya supporting him in every endeavor. Krishapriya, alongwith her eldest son Bata Krishna had been jailed during the fredom struggle. Her and Bata Krishna's hearing ability had been affected due to the atrocity by British police during their arrest and impisonment.
Throughout the late 1920s, Nilambar was deeply involved in relief efforts for flood victims in his region. In 1930, he joined the Salt Satyagraha, manufacturing contraband salt in the Basta-Singla area, an act of defiance that led to his arrest and a sentence of one year of rigorous imprisonment. Upon his release, he continued his underground activities in support of the civil disobedience movement, often disguising himself as a fisherman, daily laborer, woman, or monk to evade capture. Despite a cash reward of Rs 1,000 offered for his arrest, Nilambar Das remained elusive, only surrendering voluntarily to protect those who had sheltered him.
In 1934, Nilambar Das had the opportunity to meet Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to Odisha for a mass contact program with the Harijans. Following Gandhi's advice, Nilambar selected Barbhumia village under Khaira police station as the focal point for his activities. There, he trained Harijans in spinning, charkha, and basic hygiene practices, expanding basic education and promoting dairy farming with the help of his wife.
Nilambar Das also organized a Khadi and Gramodyog conference and exhibition in Soro, raising awareness about Khadi among the local population, with the participation of 20,000 volunteers. His commitment to social justice extended to his involvement in the Prajamandal Movement in Nilagiri in 1938, and in 1940, he was selected for Individual Satyagraha.
When the Quit India Movement was launched in 1942, Nilambar Das was at the forefront, and on 9th August 1942, he was arrested and jailed for nearly three years in Balasore and Berhampur. Tragically, he lost his daughter just days before his release on 20th April 1945, but even in his grief, he remained focused on serving the people.
After his release, Nilambar Das continued to work for the betterment of society. He established a basic eduication school in Tudigadia, Balasore district, to further basic education. He stood firmly with those oppressed by the Raja and zamindars, joining movements in Kanika and Nilagiri to fight for the rights of the peasants.
After India gained independence, Nilambar Das was twice elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly. He served on the Basic Education Committee and the Freedom Fighters' Pension Committee, dedicating the remainder of his life to various constructive programs. Nilambar Das passed away on 26th August 1987, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service and unwavering dedication to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.
As we celebrate the freedom won by countless sacrifices, let us remember the contributions of Nilambar Das, the "Balasore Gandhi," whose life of service and commitment to justice continues to inspire future generations.
