Madhusudan Das Biography

 Madhusudan Das, also known as Utkal Gourav (Pride of Odisha), was a prominent Indian freedom fighter, social reformer, and politician. He was born on April 28, 1848, in Satyabhamapur, Odisha, which was then part of the Bengal Presidency under British rule.

Early Life and Education:

Madhusudan Das belonged to a Brahmin family and received his early education in Odisha. He later pursued higher education at Presidency College in Kolkata (Calcutta), where he excelled in academics and was a brilliant student. He obtained a law degree and was called to the Bar in 1874.

Career and Contributions:

Madhusudan Das played a significant role in the social, cultural, and political transformation of Odisha. He actively participated in the Indian nationalist movement and was influenced by leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Surendranath Banerjee. He strongly advocated for the freedom of India from British rule.

As a social reformer, Madhusudan Das worked towards the upliftment of the backward classes and the eradication of social evils prevalent in society, such as child marriage and untouchability. He played a crucial role in the founding of the Utkal Sammilani (Odisha Association) in 1903, which aimed at uniting and mobilizing the people of Odisha for their cultural and political rights.

Madhusudan Das also made significant contributions to the development of education in Odisha. He established several schools and colleges, including the Ravenshaw College in Cuttack, which later became Ravenshaw University. He emphasized the importance of education as a means to empower the people and promote social progress.

Political Career:

Madhusudan Das was one of the key figures in the formation of the separate province of Odisha in 1936. He tirelessly campaigned for the linguistic and cultural identity of Odisha and fought for the separation of the region from the larger Bengal Presidency. His efforts led to the establishment of Odisha as a distinct province.

Furthermore, Madhusudan Das served as the first advocate-general of Odisha and played an instrumental role in drafting the Odisha Tenancy Act and the Odisha Municipal Act. He was a member of the Central Legislative Assembly and actively raised the issues of Odisha at the national level.

Legacy:

Madhusudan Das is remembered as one of the most prominent personalities in Odisha's history. His relentless efforts and contributions to the freedom struggle, social reforms, and the formation of Odisha as a separate province have earned him immense respect. He is often hailed as the architect of modern Odisha.

Madhusudan Das passed away on February 4, 1934, leaving behind a rich legacy and inspiring future generations to work towards the betterment of society and the nation. His contributions continue to be celebrated, and his life serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the people of Odisha.