THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
APRIL 1, 2026
On the occasion of Utkal Divas, Chief Minister
Mohan Charan Majhi strongly advocated for conferring the Bharat Ratna on
Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, hailing him as a “great son of the soil” whose
unparalleled contributions to society and the nation deserve the highest
civilian honour.
Speaking to the media
while attending a commemorative programme at Suando village in Puri district,
the birthplace of the legendary leader, Majhi described Gopabandhu Das as an
enduring symbol of selfless service, patriotism and social reform. He said the
towering personality’s contributions to education, journalism and the freedom
movement continue to inspire generations and remain deeply relevant even today.
“The demand for Bharat Ratna for Utkalmani
Gopabandhu Das has been long-standing and justified. He is an illustrious son
of Utkal whose life and ideals have left an indelible mark on society. The
state government will seriously consider this demand and I will also take up
the matter with the Central Government for appropriate action,” the Chief
Minister said.
Remembered fondly as Utkalmani, Gopabandhu Das was a pioneering freedom fighter, social reformer, poet and journalist who played a pivotal role in the movement for the creation of Odisha as a separate linguistic state. His vision of holistic education led to the establishment of the renowned Satyabadi Bana Bidyalaya, which became a cradle of nationalist thought and character building.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the great leader, Majhi announced a comprehensive development package worth ₹585 crore for Satyabadi Bana Bidyalaya and its surrounding areas. Of the total allocation, ₹90 crore will be invested in reviving the historic Bakulbana as a vibrant cultural and educational hub, while ₹495 crore will be utilised for the redevelopment of the Satyabadi region, including the creation of a heritage corridor aimed at promoting historical awareness and tourism.
