Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday dedicated Suando Peeth the renovated memorial of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das at his birthplace Suando in Odisha’s Puri district.
The Chief Minister unveiled the newly installed 15-foot statue of Gopbandhu and the museum. On landing at Suando, the Chief Minister visited the Lokeswar Temple, which has also been renovated under the project spread over seven acres, and offered his prayers to Lord Shiva.
Addressing the people present on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Gopbandhu was a man of the ages. “The Odia people are always indebted to him. No matter what is done to protect his memory, it will be less.”
On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that the state government has decided to develop birthplaces for the sons of Odisha under 5T initiatives. He said that the sacrifices of Madhusudan Das, Captain Fakir Mohan, Gangadhar Meher, Shaheed Laxman Naik and many more heroes have increased the glory of Odisha.
Paying tribute to Gopbandhu, the Chief Minister said that Utkalmani was the gem of human society. His sacrifice, patriotism, service and patriotism are unparalleled. Starting from the freedom struggle, Odisha’s education, literary culture, politics, service and humanity have been established. “He was a pioneer in the development of nationalist consciousness in Odisha. Pleasure is nothing, sacrifice is great, service is best – this is the life of the Gopbandhu. He has always been and always will be an inspiration to us. The Chief Minister called upon Gopbandhu’s ‘Bhargbi Resolution’ to work for building a new and strong Odisha,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister thanked Utkalmani’s family and the people of Suando for their support in the development of Gopbandhu’s birthplace. He also thanked the state culture department and the Puri district administration.
Dhirendra Kumar Das, the grandson of Gopbandhu, attended the programme and thanked the Chief Minister for transforming Utkalmani’s birthplace. He said that this will encourage the people to follow the path of great men in the state.
The ancestral house of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das has been renovated and a memorial museum set up to display his life and times. The museum showcases several objects used by Gopabandhu, his books and some rare photographs. The Chief Minister visited all the rooms of the renovated house and witnessed the ‘Sathee Ghar’ where the legend was born.
A number of public amenities have also been developed in Suando to attract tourists. These include a Shiva temple, a park, a children’s playground, a canteen, a pond and a shopping complex at the bank of the Bhargavi river.
A reception centre and an information centre have been set up on the main road to the village. The birthplace of Gopabandhu has been renovated by Odisha Government under the supervision of the 5T Department with an investment of Rs 25 crore. The fund has been provided by Odisha Mining Corporation.
