Various social organigations and denizens across Odisha on Friday paid rich tributes to the first graduate, post-graduate and legal luminary of Odisha - Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das, on his birth anniversary.
On this occasion, Madhusudan’s birth anniversary and ‘Salipur Mahotsav’ was celebrated at his birthplace in Salipur, Cuttack in a grand manner. Similarly, ‘Birupa Mahostav’ was celebrated at Gopinathpur to commemorate Madhu Babu (As Madhusudan Das is popularly known).
Madhusudan Das is known as the architect of modern Odisha. He was one of the foremost modern thinkers of our country. He played a major role in the formation of the separate Odisha State.
He founded Utkal Sammilani which brought a revolution in the social and industrial development of Odisha. He also played a great role in the freedom of expression, education, rural development and labour reforms in the country.
Madhusudan’s birth anniversary is also celebrated as ‘Lawyers Day’ in the State.
Meanwhile, intellectuals have expressed resentment over the denial of India’s highest civilian award - Bharat Ratna to the great visionary Madhusudan so far despite his immense contribution to the State and the country.
“Birth anniversary of Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das is being celebrated in Salipur today under the banner of Utkal Gourav Madhu Babu Jayanti committee. It will be celebrated for three days. Madhu Babu has been neglected a lot so far despite his immense contribution for the State and the country. We demand conferment of Bharat Ratna Award on him. His birth place should also be declared as national heritage site,” said Prakash Behera, a member of Utkal Gourav Madhu Babu Jayanti committee.
“Madhusudan Das has contributed a lot to the development of Odisha and the country. He is worthy to be conferred Bharat Ratna. I urge one and all to join the signature campaign, so that he will be conferred with India’s highest civilian award next year,” said Dr Heman Kumar Kar, another member of the Utkal Gourav Madhu Babu Jayanti committee.
Taking to Twitter, BJP National Vice President Baijayant Jay Panda paid rich tribute to the distinguished lawyer, freedom fighter, and architect of modern Odisha.