Madhusudan Das, the Pride of Odisha

Bhubaneswar: 10/11/2023:

(Sanjay Bhatt) 

Born on April 28, 1848, in the quaint village of Satyabhama Pur in the district of Cuttack, Madhusudan Das was destined for greatness. Initially known as Govinda Vallhaba Das, he hailed from a family of landowners. Despite his humble beginnings, he displayed remarkable talent from a young age.

After completing his village school education, Madhusudan Das's father recognized his potential and brought him to Cuttack for high school studies. His academic prowess shone through, and in 1864, he graduated from the Government District School. Not long after, he passed the entrance exam for Biswabharati College in Calcutta, where his journey towards higher education began.

Madhusudan Das's life took a significant turn when his family faced financial difficulties. Guided by well-wishers, he decided to become a teacher in a district school to overcome these challenges. Through hard work and perseverance, he managed to save enough money to pursue his dreams in Calcutta once again.

Madhusudan Das was known for his unwavering dedication to his work. He harbored a dream of uniting the fragmented Odisha and worked tirelessly towards preserving the Odia language. In 1917, he took a monumental step by publishing a magazine called "Odia" in English, which became a crucial source of information for the social, political, and public life of Odisha.

In his pursuit of a brighter future for Odisha, he planted the seeds of transformation when he founded the Utkal Sammilani in 1903. With unwavering resolve, he championed the cause of unifying the scattered lands of Odisha and nurturing their social and industrial growth. It was Madhusudan Das who played a pivotal role in the birth of Orissa Province, which emerged on the historical stage on 1st April 1936.

As the first graduate and advocate hailing from Orissa, he brought education and justice to the doorstep of his beloved homeland. Known by various names like Kulabruddha (Grand Old Man), Madhu Babu, and Utkal Gouraba (Pride of Utkal), Madhusudan Das became a symbol of resilience and wisdom.

On the 4th of February in 1934, at the age of 85, he departed from this mortal realm in Cuttack, but his legacy endures, and his ideals continue to inspire generations. His birthday, the 28th of April, is celebrated in Odisha as Lawyers' Day, a testament to his indomitable spirit and his enduring impact on the land he so passionately loved.

But Madhusudan Das's contributions didn't end there. He made history as the first lawyer of the Odisha High Court and earned the title of "Madhu Barrister." From 1883 to 1890, he taught law at Cuttack Revenue College, demonstrating his deep affection for his students.

In 1897, amidst British rule in India, Madhusudan Das became the first Odia to visit London. His aim was to draw the attention of the British government to the rich creative heritage of Odisha. He organized a small exhibition featuring Odisha's silver and horn handicrafts, elephant tooth work, and textile art. This initiative succeeded in capturing the British government's interest.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions, the British government honored Madhusudan Das in 1904 by conferring upon him the title of "Companion of the Indian Empire." His legacy endures as the Pride of Odisha, a visionary who dedicated his life to the progress and preservation of his beloved state.