Gopabandhu Dash, also known as Utkalamani Gopabandhu Dash, was a leading figure in the freedom struggle of India and a renowned social reformer and journalist from the state of Odisha. He was born on October 9, 1877, in a small village called Khaliapali in the district of Cuttack, Odisha.
Gopabandhu's father, Daitari Dash, was a landlord and a respected member of the community, while his mother, Raghunathmani Devi, was a devout and religious woman who instilled in Gopabandhu a deep sense of morality and compassion. Gopabandhu received his early education at the Khaliapali Primary School and later joined the Ravenshaw Collegiate School in Cuttack.
Gopabandhu's involvement in the freedom struggle began at a young age when he participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. He was also a member of the Indian National Congress and played an active role in the Salt Satyagraha in 1930. In addition to his political activism, Gopabandhu was also a writer and journalist, and he used his pen to fight against social evils such as untouchability and the caste system.
One of Gopabandhu's most notable contributions was the founding of the newspaper "Samaja" in 1919, which played a crucial role in spreading nationalist ideas and inspiring people to join the freedom struggle. He also used the newspaper to raise awareness about social issues and to promote education, particularly for women and disadvantaged communities.
Gopabandhu's philosophy was centered on the idea of "service to humanity," and he dedicated his life to working for the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden. He believed that education was the key to social and economic progress, and he worked tirelessly to improve the educational system in Odisha. He also established the Odisha Branch of the Servants of India Society, an organization dedicated to social service and the promotion of education.
Gopabandhu Dash passed away on June 17, 1928, at the age of 51, but his legacy lives on through the numerous institutions and organizations he founded, as well as through his inspiring writings and speeches. He is remembered as a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the cause of independence and social reform, and his contributions will always be remembered and celebrated by the people of Odisha and India.
