Odisha on Monday observed the 177th birth anniversary of ‘Utkal Gourav’ Madhusudan Das, with political leaders, social organisations, and citizens paying rich tributes to the legendary leader.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with leaders across party lines, gathered at Raj Bhavan Square to honour the contribution of Madhu Babu, revered for his pioneering role in Odisha’s industrial development, advocacy for a separate Odisha state, and the promotion of the Odia language.
“Madhu Babu played a leading role in the formation of Odisha and remains a source of inspiration for our government,” CM Majhi said after offering floral tributes. Leader of Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik also paid homage, describing Madhusudan Das as a “symbol of Odia pride” and “a beacon of the language and industrial movement.”
Leader of Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik posted on X, “I pay my tributes to Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan Das, a symbol of Odia pride, on his birth anniversary. His unparalleled contribution to the formation of a separate Odisha province, industrialisation of the state, and language protection is always a source of inspiration.”
Separate tribute meetings were organised by Congress, BJD, and BJP at their respective offices. OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das highlighted Madhu Babu’s literary efforts to awaken Odia identity, calling his legacy “boundless.”
Social organisations like Utkal Sammilani also held commemorative events, while a special ceremony took place inside the Odisha Assembly where Speaker Surama Padhy and legislators offered tributes.
The Odisha government has lined up a series of programmes throughout the day to mark the contributions of the state’s beloved ‘Kula Brudha’ — the “Grand Old Man” of Odisha.
