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News: Odisha paid tributes to Gopabandhu Das on his 149th birth anniversary, recognising his contributions to the freedom struggle, social reform, journalism and Odia literature.
About ‘Utkalmani’ Gopabandhu Das
- Gopabandhu Das was a freedom fighter, social reformer, educationist, journalist and poet from Odisha.
- Early Life:
- Birth: He was born on 9 October 1877 in Suando village near Sakshigopal in Puri district, Odisha.
- Early Activism: While studying at Ravenshaw College, he established the Kartavya Bodhini Samiti to promote social service, duty and national awareness among students.
- Career: He gave up his legal practice to devote himself to the freedom struggle and social reform.
- Title: He received the title ‘Utkalmani’, meaning ‘Gem of Odisha’, from Prafulla Chandra Roy for his selfless service to the people of Odisha.
- Influenced By:
- Vande Mataram Group: During his stay in Calcutta, he came into contact with the Vande Mataram group, which inspired him with the spirit of Swadeshi.
- Lala Lajpat Rai: At his request, Gopabandhu Das joined the Servants of the People Society and worked to implement its programmes.
- Major Contributions:
- Freedom Movement: He actively participated in the freedom struggle and promoted the Non-Cooperation Movement in Odisha.
- He encouraged people to join the national movement and helped spread the message of the charkha and other constructive programmes of the Congress.
- Politics: He became the first President of the Congress party in Odisha in 1920 and continued in the position until 1928.
- He also worked for the creation of a separate Odisha province.
- Education: He founded Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya in 1909 in Puri district to promote education and develop moral values among students.
- Journalism: He founded the Odia newspaper The Samaja in 1919.
- Social Service: He established the Puri Seva Samiti to help cholera victims.
- He also campaigned against untouchability and supported widow rehabilitation.
- Literary Work: He wrote several works in Odia, including Abakasha Chinta, Dharmapada, Kara Kabita and Bandira Atmakatha.
- Freedom Movement: He actively participated in the freedom struggle and promoted the Non-Cooperation Movement in Odisha.
- Death: He died on 17 June 1928, following illness, at the age of 50.
