2019-10-09 Wed

Popularly known as Utkalamani (the Jewel of Utkal or Orissa), Gopabandhu Das was a social worker, reformer, political activist, journalist, poet, and essayist.

Gopabandhu das was born on 9 October 1877 in the state of Orissa. His childhood was spent near the famous religious place of India namely Jagannath Puri or Puri. In his school days is met Mukhtiar Ramchandra Das, who taught him nationalism, the proponent of public service as well as the spirit of co-operation. Das further acquired the degree of LLB and worked as a lawyer.

However, he left his job and devoted himself to the welfare of the people. He had started a voluntary organization – Puri Seva Samiti – to help the cholera victims. Later, the movement led to setting up of a separate hospital for cholera patients in the district.

His efforts to bring change in orthodox society, his role to expedite social movements, selfless service, and educational reform earned him the title ‘Utkalmani’ (Gem of Odisha). Earlier, Odisha was known as Utkal. He also acquired the pet name of “Gandhi of Odisha” for his immense contribution towards Odisha in the field of social reform, journalism and literature.

India Post issued a commemorative stamp in the year 1964 with the denomination of 15 Naye Paise. The stamp depicts a smiling portrait of Gopalbandhu Das and is inscribed with his name “Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das” on the left side, the name of the country at the bottom and the denomination value on the top right bottom in Devanagari and Roman.

Image Courtesy: India Post

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