Odisha on Friday paid rich tributes to ‘Utkalmani’ Gopabandhu Das, a prominent social reformer and poet, on his 149th birth anniversary, with leaders across the political spectrum participating in commemorative programmes held across the state.
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati paid tributes to Das and said that his contributions to the freedom struggle, selfless service, and noble endeavours to enrich the Odia language and literature will “forever keep him in our cherished memory”.
Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, BJP state president Manmohan Samal and others offered floral tributes at the statue of Gopabandhu on the Assembly premises.
In a social media post, Majhi said, “Humble tributes to Utkalamani Pandit Gopabandhu Das on his birth anniversary. A freedom fighter, social reformer and champion of selfless service, his contribution to the movement for a separate Odisha Province and his lifelong dedication to public welfare continue to inspire generations.”
Leader of Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik said, “On the birth anniversary of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, the great symbol of service and sacrifice, I offer my heartfelt tribute. His unparalleled contributions to enriching the nation’s freedom struggle along with social reforms, journalism, and Odia literature are invaluable. The ideals he exemplified remain an eternal source of inspiration.”
State Congress president Bhakta Charan Das also paid floral tributes to the social reformer at the Gopabandhu Chowk in Bhubaneswar.
“His lifelong dedication to public service, social reform and the welfare of the people remains an enduring source of inspiration for generations… His unforgettable contributions in the fields of education, journalism, and social reform, along with his unwavering dedication to public service, will forever inspire future generations,” he said.
Gopabandhu Das was born on October 9, 1877, in Puri district and was bestowed with the title ‘Utkalmani’ (Gem of Odisha) by Prafulla Chandra Roy, a prominent Bengali chemist and educationist, for his selfless service to the people of Odisha.
He was the first President of the Congress party in Odisha in 1920 and continued in that post till 1928. He died after prolonged illness on July 17, 1928.
(PTI)
