Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das was a prominent Indian freedom fighter, social reformer, journalist, and writer from Odisha. He was born on 9th October 1877 in Suando village of Odisha's Puri district.
Gopabandhu Das was the son of a revenue officer, Daitari Das, and grew up in a family that valued education and social service. He graduated from Ravenshaw College in Cuttack and went on to study law in Calcutta.
After completing his studies, Gopabandhu Das returned to Odisha and became involved in social and political activities. In 1903, he co-founded the Utkal Sammilani, a forum dedicated to the social and economic upliftment of the people of Odisha. He also helped to establish the Satyavadi School in Puri, which aimed to provide education to the masses and promote literacy in Odisha.
In 1912, Gopabandhu Das started the daily newspaper "The Samaja", which became a leading voice for the freedom struggle in Odisha. The newspaper advocated for the rights of the people, exposed social evils such as untouchability, and campaigned for independence from British rule.
Gopabandhu Das was also actively involved in the non-cooperation movement and was imprisoned several times for his involvement in the freedom struggle. He worked closely with other Indian nationalist leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Motilal Nehru, and Rabindranath Tagore to fight for India's independence.
Apart from his political and social work, Gopabandhu Das was also a prolific writer and poet. He wrote several books in Odia, including "Amrut Manthan", "Bandira Atmakatha", "Aparichita", and "Sesha Tanha". His works were known for their social and spiritual themes and their message of social justice and equality.
In recognition of his contributions to society, Gopabandhu Das was awarded the title "Utkalmani" (Jewel of Odisha) in 1936. He passed away on 17th June 1928, leaving behind a rich legacy of social reform and political activism.
In conclusion, Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das was a remarkable leader who dedicated his life to the upliftment of the people of Odisha and the cause of Indian independence. His vision and work continue to inspire generations and his legacy is a testament to the power of social service and activism.
