Bhubaneswar: Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das was the source of the upliftment Odia community and a pioneer of India’s freedom struggle. A great social reformer, Das has made significant contributions to the development of Odia literature and higher education in Odisha, said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Addressing an event at Jaydev Bhawan here on the occasion of the 96th death anniversary of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, Majhi dubbed him as a glorified great man of selfless service and charity.
The CM expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu who graced the occasion on her four-day Odisha tour.
“The President of the country has joined us to pay homage to Utkalmani. Her reverence and respect for the great son of the soil have brought her to this event today,” the CM said..
Majhi, in his address, termed the Satyavadi Banavidyalaya, founded by Utkalmani was then a man-made factory. “It was not an ordinary school but a massive movement against illiteracy and casteism. It was a great effort to reform the society. As a result of that movement, Odisha today stands as a model state that believes in non-discrimination and brotherhood,” Majhi pointed out.
Majhi said that the Odia daily ‘Samaj’ founded by him is the watchdog of democracy. The ‘Samaj’ today is not just a newspaper, but a messenger of the social consciousness.
Majhi said that the interests of the poor people of the country are being given utmost importance as the country moves on the path of prosperity and progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Provision of free food grains, health insurance, crop insurance are provided to crores of poor people of the country the CM maintained.
The Government-led by Modi is really working with the ideology of Gopbandhu, Majhi outlined.
“Gopbandhu is our role model, our inspiration. Gopbandhu lives on in our hearts, in our souls. His ideals are an inspiration to every Odia.
By capitalizing on his ideals, our government will continue to serve Odisha,” the CM added.
He said that his government took four major decisions regarding Odia Asmita soon after the oath-taking ceremony.
The CM said that he has also ordered to conduct all official work in Odia language.
Gopbandhu’s 96th birth anniversary has brought us inspiration and resolution to serve the State and take it to new heights, the CM maintained.
