BJP Leaders Pay Tribute to Gopabandhu Das in Odisha
BJP leaders pay floral tributes to freedom fighter Gopabandhu Das on his 149th birth anniversary, emphasizing his legacy of service.
In a heartfelt commemoration of one of Odisha's most revered icons, leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gathered to pay floral tributes to the legendary freedom fighter and social reformer, Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, on the occasion of his 149th birth anniversary.
The event, held in Puri, brought together party workers and high-ranking officials to honor the man widely known as the "Jewel of Odisha" for his lifelong dedication to the downtrodden and his pivotal role in the state's history.
A Legacy Defined by 'Seva'
Speaking at the commemorative event, BJP national spokesperson and Member of Parliament Sambit Patra highlighted the core essence of Gopabandhu Das's life. He noted that if a single word could define the great leader, it would undoubtedly be 'Seva' (service).
Patra linked the historical legacy of the reformer to the current political vision of the nation, stating:
"PM Modi has conveyed a message to all of us that to build a Viksit Bharat by 2047, every Indian—regardless of political affiliation, party, or ideology—must embrace the spirit of service. Today, we have pledged to carry Pandit Gopabandhu’s message of service to each village across Odisha."
He further mentioned that the BJP is currently undertaking the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' to mirror this spirit of selfless service.
A Beacon of Trust During Crises
Odisha BJP State President Manmohan Samal emphasized how Gopabandhu Das served as a pillar of strength for the common people during their darkest hours. He described the leader as a symbol of trust who stood unflinchingly by the public during natural calamities.
"Whenever a major crisis struck—be it drought, earthquake, or any other calamity—Gopabandhu Das stood by them," Samal remarked. He added that the leader was instrumental in uniting society and fostering a sense of regional connection across Odisha.
Massive Gathering of Party Workers
The scale of the tribute was reflected in the large turnout at the venue. BJP MLA Om Prakash Mishra reported that between 10,000 and 15,000 party workers had gathered with great enthusiasm to offer their salutations at the feet of the Pandit.
The Life of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das
Born on October 9, 1877, in Suando village near Puri, Gopabandhu Das remains an eternal figure in the hearts of Odias. His contributions were multifaceted, spanning several domains of public life:
- Social Reformer: Dedicated his life to serving the poor and the distressed.
- Nationalist Leader: Played a crucial role in the movement for a separate Odisha province and protecting the dignity of the Odia language.
- Journalist and Poet: Used his literary talents to further the interests of the people and advocate for social change.
- Educator: Worked sincerely to spread education throughout the region.
His supreme sacrifices and his role as a champion for the marginalized ensure that his name remains synonymous with the identity and progress of Odisha.