Pandit Krupasindhu Mishra’s Jayanti

Today, we remember Pandit Krupasindhu Mishra – a remarkable freedom fighter like Maharaja Shriram Chandra Bhanja Deo, a renowned scholar, a devoted practitioner of literature, a historian, an ideal teacher, and the youngest among the five revered companions (Panchasakha). He departed from this world at a young age. He passed away on February 12, 1926, at the age of 38. Mourning his death, Pandit Gopabandhu Das wrote, “A shining star has fallen from the educational sky of Utkal.”

Krupasindhu was born on June 27, 1887, in the village of Biraharekrushnapur, located in Satyabadi Block of Puri district, to an elite Brahmin family. He had two brothers – Harihara and Krushnachandra. He lost his father in childhood and was later adopted and raised in his maternal aunt’s house. Originally surnamed “Das,” his surname changed to “Mishra” after being adopted. However, he was neglected by his aunt and later took refuge in his maternal uncle’s house. Though the household wasn’t affluent, it didn’t hinder Krupasindhu’s pursuit of education.

He completed his primary schooling in the village and later enrolled in Puri District School. At that school, as punishment from the headmaster, he was once made to stand on the bench for an entire school day, which led to bleeding in his legs. This caused him to suffer from rheumatic fever, a condition he endured for the rest of his life, and he always had to wrap a bandage around his leg. Following this incident, Krupasindhu left the Puri District School and enrolled in Ravenshaw Collegiate School in Cuttack. This marked a turning point in his life.

To become self-reliant, he gave tuitions while studying. After passing the entrance exam, he was awarded a scholarship of 15 rupees. He later completed his F.A. and B.A. from Ravenshaw College. In 1914, he obtained a postgraduate degree in Philosophy from Calcutta University.

Inspired by the ideals of the great Pandit Gopabandhu Das, Krupasindhu joined Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya in 1914 as an assistant teacher. At that time, Pandit Nilakantha Das and Pandit Godabarish Mishra were also teaching there. He was deeply influenced by them.

Krupasindhu took great joy in both learning and teaching. He had profound knowledge of Sanskrit, Odia, and English and was a fluent orator. Always dressed in a dhoti and kurta, his humble lifestyle and simple personality left a lasting impression on his students. He worked tirelessly to instill patriotism and a spirit of service in young minds.

In 1920, he assumed the role of Headmaster at Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya and continued in this position until his death. During a visit to the school, legendary writer Fakir Mohan Senapati wrote in “Utkal Bhramana”:

“Compassionate Krupasindhu, born for public welfare,
Descended to earth to fulfill a noble cause,
Residing with others in Satyabadi village,
Full of knowledge and purity,
Like Bhagirath, destined to uplift society.”
Pandit Krupasindhu Mishra left behind a remarkable literary legacy. His most notable creation “Barabati Durga” was first serialized in the magazine Mukur and later published as a book. He also authored “Konark,” a deep exploration of Utkal’s glorious history, and “Utkal Itihasa,” which was published posthumously in an incomplete form. His other valuable works include “Naba Youbanara Bipada,” “Adrusta Bada,” “Leela,” “Prachya Bhukhandara Abhyutthan,” “Bharatare Ingreja Samrajya Bistara,” and “Bharata Itihasare Baideshika Akramana.” These writings are considered priceless treasures in the repository of Odia literature.

On this memorable occasion of his Shraddha Day, we offer our deepest respects to his immortal memory.

Vande Utkala Janani