Madhusudan Das (1848-1934), popularly referred as “Utkal Gaurav” meaning Pride Of Odisha ), a well-known leader from the Christian community in Odisha. The greatest personality from Odisha to whom even Mahtama Gandhi paid rich tributes.

Throughout the struggle for Independence and upliftment of India, the Indian Christian community has played a significant role. Although these freedom fighters are such commonplace that they are often overlooked and are lost in the pages of history. But it is important to recognize their unparalleled contribution that made India what it is now.

Madhusudan Das was a Freedom Fighter, Poet, Social Reformer, Widely Regarded As The “Founder of Modern Odisha”. He was the first Odia to become a member of both the legislative council and the Central Legislative Assembly of India. By his long political fight he united Orissa and modern Odisha took birth on 1 April 1936. This day is celebrated as “Utkala Dibasa”. He was also the first Odia to sail overseas.

He  founded Utkal Sammilani in 1903 to campaign for the unification of Odisha along with its social and industrial development. Also making significant contribution to the cultural progress of Odisha which ultimately stabilized the political conditions.

Early life and taking up the Cross

Madhusudan Das was born to a prosperous Zamindari (Karan Kayastha ) family on 28 April 1848 at Satyabhamapur, 20 kilometres from Cuttack . His father was Choudhury Raghunath Das and his mother, Parbati Debi. They had initially named him Gobindaballabh. He had two elder sisters and a younger brother named Gopalballabh. Gopalballabh Das became a Magistrate at Bihar Province and the father of Ramadevi Choudhury.

In 1864, he entered Calcutta University and it was in the city of Calcutta that he encountered the message of the Gospels.

18 year old Gobinddaballabh embraced Christianity in 1866. He changed his name to Madhusudan Das. He was to learn soon enough that professing Christ means taking up his cross.

This caused a widespread reaction among the high caste family and relatives. He was boycotted in his village. The young man was not deterred. He built a small house for himself at the end of the village. He was based in Calcutta for almost 15 years.

Madhu Babu was the resident tutor of Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, the former Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University in Calcutta and Janakinath Bose, father of Subhash Chandra Bose, at Ravenshaw College.

First Advocate from Odisha

Madhusudan Das was the first Odia to complete his B.A. and continued to complete Masters and an L.L.B degree in 1878, thus making him the first scholar from Odisha and also the first Advocate from his state. Living up to his responsibilities and making use of his degree, he handled some important cases of his times such as Puri temple administration case, Keonjhar Riots Case etc. Madhusudan Das thus became an inspiration for the growing Odisha and now his birth anniversary is observed as Lawyers’ Day in Odisha.

Unification of Odisha

He was the first Odia to become a member of both the legislative council and the Central Legislative Assembly of India. Utkal Sammilani, founded by Madhusudan Das, reiterated the demand for unification of Odia speaking areas under a single administration. This led to the formations of state of Odisha on 1 April 1936.

Sailing Overseas

He was the first Odia to travel to England to make the English familiar with the then Utkal and to propagate Odia pride. This earned him the title of Utkal Gaurab.

Former Prime Minister of England, Sir Ramsay MacDonald has referred to Madhusudan Das as the Uncrowned King of Odisha.

A Man of Letters

As a writer and poet, patriotism was always at the forefront of his mind, and that was evident in all of his literary works. He penned a number of articles and poems in both English and Odia. Some prominent ones are “Utkal Santan”, “Jati Itihash” and “Jananira Ukti”.

He was also an influential speaker in Odia, Bengali and English. Madhusudan Das also wrote the a grammar book in English titled  Model Questions in 1875, to help students get a grasp of the Queen’s language and qualify in entrance exams.

Madhusudan Das’ contribution to Odisha and to the whole nation will always remain unparalleled. He will forever be regarded as the architect of modern Odisha. His immense contribution towards protection of Odisha’s pride, industries, education and literature will be remembered for all the time to come.

Madhu Babu or “Dada” as he was fondly called, died on 4 February 1934 at the age of 85, and he was buried at the Gorakabar cemetery in Cuttack, Odisha.

Prepared by Newsnet Intern Nishant Mishra from available material

  Christian, Christian Freedom Fighter, Madhusudan Das, Odisha