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Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das

Odisha’s Freedom Fighter and Social Reformer Remembered for His Contributions

Digital Benchers TeamUpdated August 11, 2026

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the statue of freedom fighter and social reformer Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das in New Delhi.

Pandit Gopabandhu Das (1877–1928) was popularly known as Utkalmani (Gem of Odisha).
He was a freedom fighter, social reformer, teacher, journalist and poet from Odisha.
He took an active part in India's freedom movement and was a member of the Indian National Congress.
He started Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya at Sakhigopal to provide education to students.
In 1919, he started the Odia newspaper The Samaja, which played an important role in spreading nationalist ideas.
He also made important contributions to Odia literature. His famous works include Dharmapada, Bandira Atmakatha and Go-Mahatmya.