Odisha paid a heartfelt tribute to Utkalamani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, the iconic freedom fighter, poet, and social reformer, on his state-level birth anniversary, celebrated at Jayadev Bhawan here today.
Organized under the auspices of the Information and Public Relations Department, the event drew dignitaries, intellectuals, students, and media representatives, who lauded Das’s life as an eternal inspiration for selfless service and national dedication.
Chief guest, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik described Das not just as Odisha’s jewel but as the “gem of the entire Aryavarta.” “We call him Utkalamani out of reverence, but in my view, he is the priceless gem of the whole subcontinent,” Mallik said, emphasising how Das’s biography forms a glorious chapter in the nation’s history. He recounted the legendary oath Das and his three friends took under a full moon by the Bharagavi River, vowing to forgo government jobs and dedicate their lives to the country—a bold, sacrificial pledge made in their youth that defined their path.
Mallik highlighted Das’s unwavering commitment to the downtrodden, particularly flood victims and the destitute, whom he served as if it were a divine duty. “Human service is the true worship of the divine—that was his mantra,” the minister noted. Das’s life, he added, was a relentless stream of sacrifice, leaving indelible marks in the freedom struggle, the Swadeshi movement, the eradication of untouchability, education, journalism, and literature. “In times of distress, calamity, and sorrow, his name still echoes as a beacon of hope. People today seek him in their hour of need,” Mallik remarked, urging the youth to draw inspiration from his ideals.
As the honoured guest, Pipili MLA Ashrit Patnaik echoed these sentiments, calling Das a pivotal figure in Odisha’s independence movement and a pioneer in educational reforms. “His establishment of Satyabadi Vana Vidyalaya revolutionised education in Odisha, and its relevance endures,” Patnaik said. He praised Das’s invaluable contributions to Odia literature and journalism, affirming that his legacy of service and sacrifice will forever reside in the hearts of Odias.
Delivering the keynote address, eminent educationist Dr Sarat Chandra Rath delved deeply into Das’s multifaceted legacy. “Utkalamani was a trailblazing social reformer, a truthful teacher, an ethical journalist, and a devoted freedom fighter,” Rath stated. He spotlighted Das’s founding of Satyabadi Vana Vidyalaya to promote holistic education, the launch of the newspaper *Samaja* to propagate nationalist ideas and address societal issues, and his leadership in the Non-Cooperation Movement and campaigns against untouchability. “Whenever we speak of service, sacrifice, or humanity, his name is the first that comes to mind,” Rath concluded, portraying Das as the living embodiment of reform and societal welfare.
Presiding over the event, Information and Public Relations Department Director Anuj Kumar Daspatnaik hailed Das as the foremost apostle of humanism and a pioneer of modern journalism through *Samaja*. Reiterating Rath’s points, he underscored Das’s role in social reforms and the independence struggle, noting that his contributions as a reformer, educator, journalist, and patriot remain profoundly significant.
The program commenced with dignitaries offering floral tributes to Das’s portrait, followed by a soul-stirring rendition of patriotic songs by the Capital Art & Culture Academy. Deputy Director Sucheta Priyadarshini extended thanks, while Information and Public Relations Officer Rosalin Sahoo coordinated the proceedings. Among the attendees were department directors like Gurvir Singh and Additional Secretary Ashok Kumar Beuria, Jayadev Bhawan’s Deputy Director Diptimayee Mahapatra, and a host of senior officials, scholars, students, and media delegates.
As Odisha reflects on Das’s enduring light, his life continues to guide generations toward a path of empathy, integrity, and nation-building.
