Madhusudan Das, popularly known as Utkal

Gourab, stands out as a distinguished nationalist leader

who contributed his share to India's independence.
Madhusudan Das was born on April 28, 1848 in
Satyabhamapur village in Cuttak district in Orissa. His
father was Choudhury Raghunath Das and mother was
Parvati Devi. In 1870, he became the first Oriya to complete B.A. In 1873, he
worked his way to higher education and passed M.A and B.L. examinations from
Calcutta University. He worked untiringly for the political, social and economical
upliftment of people of Eastern India, especially Orissa, and rendered
commendable service to the nation as a lawyer, social reformer and patriot. To
arouse the sense of patriotism in the hearts of millions, he contributed a number of
articles and poems in both of Oriya and English literature. He was also a powerful
speaker in Oriya, English and Bengali. Madhu Babu was the founder of Utkal
Sammilani, an Oriya movement and pioneer in the field of industrial
development. He is acclaimed as a great Legislator and Journalist. Mr. Das was the
first Oriya to be the member of Legislative Council and Member of Central
Legislative Assembly. He was the first Oriya to sail overseas. He had the
distinction of being the first Indian Minister. Madhusudan das has written some
important poems like Utkal Santan, Jati Itihash and Jananira Ukti. He gave
away his earnings generously for the cause of higher education of poor students
and contributed liberally to various political, social and cultural organizations.

Published on State Poratal (www.orissa.gov.in)

Prime Figure on Nationalist Movement

He worked untiringly for the political,
social and economical uplift of people
of Eastern India, especially Orissa, and
rendered commendable service to the
nation as a lawyer, social reformer and
patriot.

To

arouse

the

sense

of

patriotism in the hearts of millions, he

contributed a number of articles and poems both of Oriya and English literature.
He was also a powerful orator in Oriya, English and Bengali. He worked hard to
rehabilitate the Orissan artisans who were celebrated for their artistic skills. He
donated his earnings generously for the cause of higher education of poor students
and contributed liberally to various political, social and cultural organisations. At
the age of thirty-one he became a widower without any issue. Having no
immediate family responsibilities and liabilities he decided to dedicate his life to
the Cause of Oriyas. He earned sufficiently from his legal practice because of his
deep understanding of the intricacies of law and his neat presentation. He spent all
his earnings for the common cause and died a pauper. In the last part of his life he
had to declare himself insolvent. He died on February 4, 1934. Mahatma Gandhi
described him as a great Indian patriot who wore himself out in giving shape and
reality to various nation-building schemes.

Published on State Poratal (www.orissa.gov.in)