Rich tributes were paid to legendary freedom fighter Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das on his 141st birth anniversary today across Odisha. The day is commemorated as Gopabandhu Jayanti in the state.
Here are 10 things to know about Pandit Gopabandhu Das:
1. Gandhi of Odisha
Utkalmani Gopabandhu is described as the Gandhi of Odisha for his immense contribution towards Odisha in field of social reform, journalism and literature.
2. A social reformer
His efforts to bring change in orthodox society, his role to expedite social movements, selfless service and educational reform earned him the title ‘Utkalmani’ (Gem of Odisha). Earlier, Odisha was known as Utkal.
He had started a voluntary organisation – Puri Seva Samiti – to help the cholera victims. Later, the movement led to setting up of a separate hospital for cholera patients in the district.
Born on October 9, 1877, to Swarnamayee Devi and Daitari Das in Suando village near Puri, he played a major part in making of Odisha as the first official linguistic state in India in 1936. His contribution for Odisha in creating the separate province will always be remembered to generations.
3. Alumnus of Ravenshaw College, Cuttack
Gopabandhu attended Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, an educational premier of Odisha. During his study, he encouraged his friends to serve people and address social, economic and political problems. His passion for social service had posed as obstruction for which he failed in his B.A degree. He cleared the examination in his second attempt. Later, he earned LLB from Calcutta University.
4. Left profession as lawyer and dedicated life into social work
After completing graduation in law from Calcutta University, he practiced in Puri before moving to High Court in Cuttack. Later, he was appointed as the government lawyer in Mayurbhanj court. As he was not willing to continue the profession as the lawyer, he quit it and switched to social work.
5. A man who ignored his ailing son and moved to extend help to people in flood affected areas
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