Finance
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik dedicated the renovated memorial of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das at his birthplace Suando in Odisha’s Puri district on Thursday.
The Chief Minister unveiled a 15-foot statue of Gopbandhu as well as the museum. On arrival in Suando, the Chief Minister paid a visit to the Lokeswar Temple, which has also been renovated as part of the seven-acre project, and offered his prayers to Lord Shiva.
Addressing the people present on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Gopbandhu was a man of the ages. “The Odia people are always indebted to him. No matter what is done to protect his memory, it will be less.”
The Chief Minister stated on this occasion that the state government has decided to develop birthplaces for Odisha’s sons as part of the 5T initiatives. He stated that the sacrifices of Madhusudan Das, Captain Fakir Mohan, Gangadhar Meher, Shaheed Laxman Naik, and other heroes have enhanced Odisha’s glory.
In a tribute to Gopbandhu, the Chief Minister stated that Utkalmani was a jewel in human society. His patriotism, service, and sacrifice are unparalleled. Odisha’s education, literary culture, politics, service, and humanity have all been established since the independence struggle. “He was a trailblazer in the development of nationalist consciousness in Odisha. Pleasure is nothing, sacrifice is great, and service is best – this is the Gopbandhu’s life. He has always been and will always be an inspiration to us. The Chief Minister called upon Gopbandhu’s ‘Bhargbi Resolution’ to work for building a new and strong Odisha,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Utkalmani’s family and the people of Suando for their contributions to the development of Gopbandhu’s birthplace. He also expressed gratitude to the state culture department and the Puri district administration.
Dhirendra Kumar Das, Gopbandhu’s grandson, attended the event and expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for transforming Utkalmani’s birthplace. He stated that this will encourage people to follow in the footsteps of the state’s great men.
Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das’ ancestral home has been renovated, and a memorial museum has been established to commemorate his life and times. The museum displays several items used by Gopabandhu, as well as his books and some rare photographs. The Chief Minister toured all of the renovated rooms and saw the ‘Sathee Ghar,’ where the legend was born.
Suando has also developed a number of public amenities to attract tourists. On the bank of the Bhargavi river, there is a Shiva temple, a park, a children’s playground, a canteen, a pond, and a shopping complex.
On the main road into the village, a reception and information center have been established. Odisha Government has renovated Gopabandhu’s birthplace with a Rs 25 crore investment under the supervision of the 5T Department. Odisha Mining Corporation provided the funding.
Source:OCN
