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Gopalbandhu Das
Context:
147th Birth Anniversary of freedom fighter Gopalbandhu Das.
About:
- Gopalbandhu Das, popularly known as Utkalamani (meaning “Jewel of Utkal” or Odisha), was a prominent figure in India’s freedom movement.
- He was an activist, journalist, poet, and social reformer who significantly shaped the nationalist sentiments in Odisha.
Contributions to India’s Freedom Movement:
Educational Reforms:
- Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya: In 1909, Gopalbandhu founded this school in Puri, which aimed to impart a liberal and non-sectarian education based on the Gurukul tradition. The school emphasised the values of nationalism and secularism, allowing students from all backgrounds to study together.
- Advocacy for Literacy: He believed education was crucial for fostering awareness of freedom and civic duties among the populace. His educational initiatives laid the groundwork for future generations to engage in social and political issues25.
Political Engagement:
- First President of the Congress Party in Odisha: Gopalbandhu was instrumental in organising the Orissa Provincial Congress Committee and served as its first president. He was pivotal in bringing Mahatma Gandhi to Odisha in 1921, which galvanised local participation in the Non-Cooperation Movement124.
- Legislative Council Member: Elected in 1917, he focused on issues like administrative amalgamation of Oriya-speaking regions and expansion of education. His political career was marked by a commitment to the rights of his people35.
Social Reforms:
- Puri Seva Samiti: He founded this organization to assist cholera victims during an outbreak, which later led to establishing a hospital for the affected14.
- Campaign Against Untouchability: Gopalbandhu actively fought against social injustices, advocating for widow remarriage and literacy among women, thereby promoting a new social order.
Literary Contributions:
- Gopalbandhu was also a notable literary figure. His works include poems and essays that inspired patriotism and social reform. One of his most famous poems is “Svadesa Chinta“, written during his imprisonment, reflecting his deep commitment to the nation.
Imprisonment and Legacy:
- He faced imprisonment for his activism during the Non-Cooperation Movement, spending two years in Hazaribagh jail from 1922 to 1924. Despite these challenges, he continued to advocate for Congress’s constructive programs upon his release.
- Gopalbandhu Das passed away on June 17, 1928, but his contributions have immortalised him as a key figure in Odisha’s history and India’s broader struggle for independence.
- Subhas Chandra Bose referred to him as the “father of the national movement” in Odisha due to his extensive efforts to foster national consciousness among the Oriya people.