CM Majhi pays tribute to Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das on 98th death anniversary
Synopsis
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi offered floral tributes at the statue of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das at the Legislative Assembly premises on 14 July 2026, marking the revered freedom fighter and social reformer's 98th death anniversary.
Key Takeaways
CM Mohan Charan Majhi garlanded the statue of Pandit Gopabandhu Das at the Odisha Legislative Assembly on 14 July 2026 .
The occasion marked the 98th death anniversary of Gopabandhu Das, known as Utkalmani — Jewel of Odisha.
Gopabandhu Das (1877–1928) was a freedom fighter, journalist, and social reformer who founded the Odia newspaper Samaja in 1919 .
CM Majhi described him as 'a symbol of Odisha's self-respect, service, sacrifice, and humanity.' Successive Odisha governments have maintained the tradition of formal tributes at the Legislative Assembly statue on his death anniversary.
The centenary of his passing in 2028 is expected to prompt larger state-level commemorations.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi paid floral tributes to Pandit Gopabandhu Das at his statue in the Odisha Legislative Assembly premises on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, marking the freedom fighter's 98th death anniversary. The Chief Minister garlanded the statue and offered his respects to the revered Odia reformer known as Utkalmani (Jewel of Odisha).
Context
Posting in Odia on X, CM Majhi wrote that he 'offered a floral garland at the statue of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das located in the Legislative Assembly premises on the occasion of his 98th death anniversary.' He described Gopabandhu Das as 'a symbol of Odisha's self-respect, service, sacrifice, and humanity,' adding that 'his ideals are an ever-present source of inspiration for all of us.' The Chief Minister concluded that 'his unparalleled contribution to public welfare and social service will forever illuminate generations to come.'
Policy Backdrop
Pandit Gopabandhu Das (1877–1928) was a towering figure in Odisha's social and political history — a freedom fighter, journalist, poet, and reformer who dedicated his life to the uplift of the poor and marginalised. He founded the Odia-language newspaper Samaja in 1919, which became a vehicle for social reform and the assertion of Odia linguistic identity at a time when the region's distinct cultural character was under pressure. His tireless work among flood and famine victims earned him the title Utkalmani, meaning the jewel or crown-gem of Utkal (historic Odisha).
The Odisha Legislative Assembly premises houses a prominent statue of Gopabandhu Das, which serves as the focal point for official commemorations. Successive state governments have maintained the tradition of marking his death anniversary with formal tributes, reinforcing the continuity between contemporary governance and the reformist ideals he championed.
Stakeholders and Impact
The annual observance carries symbolic weight for Odia citizens, students, and cultural organisations who regard Gopabandhu Das as a foundational figure of modern Odisha's identity. For the BJP-led state government under CM Majhi, the tribute also signals alignment with Odisha's indigenous reformist legacy — a tradition that cuts across party lines and enjoys broad popular resonance.
Educational institutions and civil-society groups across the state typically use the death anniversary to hold discussions on Gopabandhu Das's philosophy of selfless public service, keeping his memory alive among younger generations.
What's Next
State governments have historically used anniversaries connected to Gopabandhu Das to announce or spotlight welfare and education initiatives inspired by his legacy. Observers will watch whether the Majhi administration follows up this tribute with policy announcements — particularly in the areas of rural welfare, Odia-language promotion, or social reform — that explicitly invoke his ideals. The 99th death anniversary in 2027 will mark the penultimate year before the centenary of his passing, a milestone that is likely to prompt larger state-level commemorations.
Point of View
Which is a relative newcomer to power in Odisha after its 2024 victory, such observances help the party embed itself in the state's distinct cultural and historical narrative. Gopabandhu Das's emphasis on public welfare and grassroots service also provides a convenient ideological frame for the ruling dispensation's own governance messaging. The 98th anniversary is a stepping stone to the centenary in 2028, which will likely become a major political and cultural moment for whichever government is in power.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das?
Pandit Gopabandhu Das (1877–1928) was an Odia freedom fighter, journalist, poet, and social reformer known as Utkalmani, meaning Jewel of Odisha. He founded the Odia newspaper Samaja in 1919 and dedicated his life to the welfare of the poor and marginalised.
Why is Gopabandhu Das called Utkalmani?
Gopabandhu Das earned the title Utkalmani — meaning the crown-gem or jewel of Utkal (historic Odisha) — for his extraordinary contributions to social reform, Odia cultural identity, and selfless service to flood and famine victims.
What did CM Mohan Majhi do on Gopabandhu Das's death anniversary?
On 14 July 2026, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi garlanded the statue of Pandit Gopabandhu Das at the Odisha Legislative Assembly premises and paid his respects on the occasion of the 98th death anniversary.
Where is the statue of Gopabandhu Das in Odisha?
A prominent statue of Pandit Gopabandhu Das is located within the Odisha Legislative Assembly premises in Bhubaneswar, which serves as the focal point for official state commemorations on his death anniversary.
What newspaper did Gopabandhu Das found?
Gopabandhu Das founded the Odia-language newspaper Samaja in 1919, which became an important platform for social reform and the assertion of Odia linguistic and cultural identity.
