Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das: Freedom Fighter, Social Reformer and Pioneer Journalist
Modern Indian History · Tuesday, 4 August 2026
President of India unveiled the statue of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das at Lajpat Bhawan, New Delhi. Known as the 'Jewel of Odisha', Gopabandhu Das founded Satyabadi Bana Bidyalaya, started The Samaja newspaper, served as UPCC founding President, and championed the linguistic unification of Odisha.
Quick highlights
- Revered with the title 'Utkalmani' (Jewel of Odisha) for his dedicated public service.
- Founded the open-air residential school 'Satyabadi Bana Bidyalaya' (1909) near Puri based on the Gurukula system.
- Established the iconic Odia newspaper 'The Samaja' in 1919 to give voice to rural and marginalized citizens.
- Served as the founding President of the Utkal Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) in 1920.
- Vice-President of Lala Lajpat Rai's Servants of the People Society (Lok Sevak Mandal).
- Pioneered the Utkal Sammilani movement for the linguistic unification of Odisha (formed in 1936).
Context
The President of India unveiled a statue of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das at Lajpat Bhawan in New Delhi, honoring his immense legacy.
Key Facts
Born Oct 9, 1877 in Suando village near Puri. Authored famous nationalist poems like 'Bandi R Atmakatha', 'Dharmapada', and 'Kara Kabita' while in prison during Non-Cooperation movement.
Significance
Transformed social reform through caste-free open-air education, modern Odia journalism, and disaster relief work across flood and famine zones.
Challenges / Way Forward
Preserving his literary works, open-air educational principles, and ethical journalism ideals in contemporary society.
Exam Angle
GS Paper I (Modern Indian History, Personalities, Freedom Movement, Regional Movements).
Remember this
- Utkalmani means 'Jewel of Odisha'.
- Founded Satyabadi Bana Bidyalaya at Sakhigopal near Puri in 1909.
- Started 'The Samaja' newspaper in 1919.
- First President of Utkal Pradesh Congress Committee (1920).
- Authored 'Bandi R Atmakatha' (Story of a Prisoner).
- Served as national Vice-President of Servants of the People Society.
More from Tuesday, 4 August 2026
- AI & Cyber: The Double Helix of Security Threats
- Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan Launched
- Glaw Lake Designated as Arunachal Pradesh’s First and India’s 101st Ramsar Site
- Parliament Passes the MSME Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- India Launches e-Pratyaropan Digital Platform for Organ Transplantation
- India Submits Nomination for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Status for Puri Rath Yatra
- Pacific Island Nation Nauru Officially Restores Historical Name as Republic of Naoero