Odisha CM inaugurates Gopabandhu Das memorial museum, 15-ft statue at Suando

Suando: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today dedicated Suando Peeth, the birth place of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, to the nation.

CM Patnaik reached Suando village in a special chopper at around 11 am. Accompanied by 5T Secretary VK Pandian, he inaugurated Gopabandhu Das’ birth place that has been renovated by Odisha Government under supervision of 5T Department.

The CM visited all the rooms of the renovated house and saw the ‘Sathee Ghar’ where the legend was born.

The birth place of Gopabandhu has been transformed into a memorial museum at investment of Rs 25 crore. The fund has been provided by Odisha Mining Corporation.

During the programme, the CM also inaugurated Gopabandhu Museum and unveiled a 15-ft high bronze statue of Gopabandhu Das installed on a 10-ft high pedestal at Suando village.

Addressing a gathering at Suando, Patnaik said, “Odisha Government has decided to develop the natives of all legends of Odisha under 5T initiative. The sacrifices and contribution of Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Gangadhar Meher, Saheed Laxman Nayak and others were immense to Odisha.”

“The sacrifices, services and patriotism of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das were incomparable. He had contributed a lot in the freedom struggle and other spheres including education, culture, politics, services and humanity. He was the pioneer in development of nationalism in Odisha. He believed in sacrifice and service to mankind. He has always been an inspiration to us and will remain so,” he added.

He also praised the efforts made by Odia Language Literature & Culture Department and Puri district administration for the project.

Prior to it, Patnaik had visited the Lokeswar Temple, which has been renovated under the project, for offering prayer to Lord Shiva, at the village.