Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of Odisha Divas, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi strongly pitched for the Bharat Ratna award for Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, describing him as a “great son of the soil” who deserves the nation’s highest civilian honour and many more recognitions.
Speaking to the media while attending a programme at Gopabandhu Das’ birthplace in Suando village, Puri district, CM Majhi said, “Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das deserves the Bharat Ratna. He is an illustrious son of Utkal whose selfless service, patriotism, and contributions to education, journalism, and the freedom struggle continue to inspire generations.”
He assured that the state government would seriously consider the long-standing demand and added, “I will also take up the matter with the Central Government for appropriate action.”
Pandit Gopabandhu Das, fondly called Utkalmani, was a prominent freedom fighter, social reformer, poet, and journalist who played a key role in the movement for a separate Odisha state on linguistic lines. He founded the famous Satyabadi Bana Bidyalaya.
The Chief Minister announced a Rs 585 crore project for the development of Satyabadi Bana Bidyalaya and surrounding areas. Of this, Rs 90 crore will be spent on reviving the historic Bakulbana as a cultural and educational hub, while Rs 495 crore will go towards redevelopment of the Satyabadi region, including a heritage corridor.
