Das progressed to Ravenshaw College in Cuttack. He became a regular contributor to local literary magazines called Indradhanu and Bijuli, where he argued that any modern literary movement, just like any modern nation, could not be a clean break with the old but rather had to acknowledge and base itself on its past. In one instance, he submitted a satirical poem that so enraged the Inspector of Schools that Das was punished when he refused to apologise for it. It was while at Ravenshaw that Das started a discussion group, called Kartavya Bodhini Samiti (Duty Awakening Society), in which he and his friends considered social, economic and political problems. It was also during this time, in 1903, that he attended a meeting of the Utkal Sammilani (Utkal Union Conference), where he disagreed with Madhusudan Das's suggestion that Odia-speaking areas should be amalgamated with Bengal Presidency. These extra-curricular activities, which also included helping the victims of flooding, impacted on his academic studies such that he failed his degree examination, although he gained his BA at the second attempt. It was also while at Ravenshaw that his new-born son died; he explained his preference to deal with flood victims on that occasion rather than be with his sick son as being because "There are so many to look after my son. What more can I do? But there are so many people crying for help in the affected areas and it is my duty to go there. Lord Jagannath is here to take care of the boy".
After completing graduation in law from Calcutta University, he practiced in Puri before moving to High Court in Cuttack. Later, he was appointed as the government lawyer in Mayurbhanj court. As he was not willing to continue the profession as the lawyer, he quit it and switched to social work.
Social Work and Reforms
Gopabandhu Das was deeply moved by the plight of the poor and oppressed people of Odisha. He dedicated his life to their service and upliftment. He founded several institutions and organisations for this purpose. Some of them are:
The Puri Seva Samiti: A voluntary organisation to help the victims of cholera, famine and floods.
The Satyabadi School: A residential school based on Gandhian principles of education and self-reliance.
The Samaja: A daily newspaper that became a voice of Odia nationalism and social reform.
The Utkal Sahitya Samaj: A literary society that promoted Odia language and literature.
The Utkal Tannery: A leather industry that provided employment and training to the untouchables.
Gopabandhu Das also worked for the emancipation of women, eradication of untouchability, promotion of khadi and village industries, and protection of animal rights. He advocated for a simple and austere lifestyle and practiced it himself. He donated his ancestral property to the Satyabadi school and lived on a meagre income from his writings.
Political Activism and Freedom Struggle
Gopabandhu Das was an ardent nationalist and a follower of Mahatma Gandhi. He joined the Indian National Congress and participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement. He was arrested several times by the British authorities and suffered imprisonment and torture. He also campaigned for the political unification of Odia-speaking regions under one administrative unit. He led several delegations to the British government and the Simon Commission to demand the creation of a separate Odisha province. His efforts bore fruit when Odisha became the first linguistic state of India on 1 April 1936.
Literary Works
Gopabandhu Das was a prolific writer and poet. He wrote in both Odia and English languages. He wrote on various topics such as history, culture, religion, politics, education, ethics, social issues, etc. Some of his notable works are:
Bandira Atmakatha: An autobiography that narrates his life story and experiences.
Dharmapada: A collection of moral stories based on Buddhist scriptures.
Kara Kabita: A collection of patriotic poems that inspired the freedom fighters.
Matrubhumi: A collection of essays on Odia nationalism and culture.
Rajakiya Jeevanara Smruti O Anubhuti: A memoir of his political life and activities.
Death and Legacy
Gopabandhu Das died on 17 June 1928 at the age of 50. He was on his way to England to attend the Round Table Conference when he fell ill at Lahore. He was taken to a hospital where he breathed his last. His death was mourned by the entire nation. Mahatma Gandhi paid tribute to him by saying "The loss of Gopabandhu is not merely a loss to Orissa but to India".
Gopabandhu Das is remembered as one of the greatest sons of Odisha and India. He is revered as Utkalmani or the Jewel of Odisha for his selfless service and sacrifice for the cause of his motherland and its people. His life and works have inspired generations of Odias and Indians. His birthday is celebrated as Utkalmani Jayanti every year on 9 October. His statue stands at the Parliament House in New Delhi as one of the makers of modern India.
References
[Gopabandhu Das - Wikipedia]
[10 things to know about Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das]
[Utkalamani Gopabandhu Das - Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Ministry of Culture]
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