Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das birthday today on 28 April

Today is the birthday of Madhusudan Das, popularly known as Kulabruddha (Grand Old Man) and Utkal Gourav (Pride of Utkal), 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 of Cuttak district in Odisha.

He was the first graduate and advocate of Odisha. To arouse the sense of patriotism in the hearts of millions, he contributed a number of articles and poems in both of Odia and English literature.

Known as ‘Madhu Babu’ by the common people, he worked for the political, social and economical upliftment of the people of Odisha and served his mother-nation as a lawyer, social reformer and patriot. He founded Utkal Sammilani which brought a revolution in the social and industrial development of Odisha.

He founded the Utkal Tannery in 1905, a factory producing shoes and other leather products. In 1897 he founded the Orissa Art Ware Works. With his support, the Tarakasi (filigree) work of silver ornaments achieved commendable feet.

He sacrificed his whole life for the welfare of his country and people. He spent all his wealth for the sake of the country and declared himself as an insolvent.

Madhusudan Das died on 4 February 1934.

Mahatma Gandhi described him as a great Indian patriot who wore himself out in giving shape and reality to various nation-building schemes.

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