Gopabandhu Das Biography

 Sure! Here's a brief biography of Gopabandhu Das:

Gopabandhu Das (1877-1928) was a prominent social worker, writer, and political leader from Odisha, a state in eastern India. He is widely regarded as the "Utkalmani," meaning "Jewel of Odisha," for his immense contributions to the welfare of the people and his efforts to bring about social reform and national awakening.

Born on October 9, 1877, in Suando village of Odisha, Gopabandhu Das completed his early education in Cuttack. He later pursued higher studies in Calcutta (now Kolkata), where he obtained a degree in Mathematics. After completing his education, Das returned to Odisha and started working as a lecturer in Ravenshaw College, Cuttack.

Das was deeply influenced by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and dedicated his life to serving the underprivileged and fighting for their rights. He actively participated in the Indian National Movement and was a prominent leader in the state of Odisha. Alongside his political activities, Das was deeply committed to social reforms, education, and the upliftment of the oppressed.

In 1912, Gopabandhu Das co-founded the famous Utkal Sammilani, a socio-cultural organization that aimed to promote Odia language and literature, as well as address various social issues. He also played a crucial role in the establishment of the Satyabadi School at Puri, which emphasized the importance of character development and moral education.

One of Gopabandhu Das's most significant contributions was the establishment of the "Samaja" newspaper in 1919, which he used as a powerful medium to disseminate his ideas and advocate for social justice. The newspaper became immensely popular and played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion in Odisha.

Das also actively worked for the empowerment of women, fighting against child marriage and advocating for women's education. He played a vital role in the formation of Odisha's first women's organization, Odisha Seva Sangha, in 1913.

Gopabandhu Das's philanthropic efforts extended to providing relief and assistance during natural disasters, such as the severe famine in Odisha in 1936 and the devastating floods in 1928. He tirelessly worked to alleviate the suffering of the affected people and mobilized resources for their rehabilitation.

Unfortunately, Gopabandhu Das's life was cut short when he passed away on June 17, 1928, at the age of 50. However, his legacy continued to inspire generations to come, and he is remembered as a visionary leader, social reformer, and champion of the downtrodden in Odisha. His contributions to the fields of education, journalism, and social service continue to have a profound impact on the society of Odisha.