96th Death Anniversary of Utkalamani Pandit Gopabandhu Das Grandly Observed at Satyabadi
Sakhigopal: 6.7.24 – Singhari Alok Khuntia: The 96th death anniversary of Utkalamani Pandit Gopabandhu Das was observed today with traditional rituals at his karmabhoomi (workplace), Satyabadi. The day began at 7 AM with a ceremonial cleaning of the premises of the historic Satyabadi High School founded by Utkalamani. Dhoopa (incense), deepa (lamps), and garlands were offered at the Panchasakha Samadhi Peeth and Gopabandhu’s statue.
Students from various schools gathered near Radha Kund, located within the Odisha University campus, and sang patriotic Odia poems written by Gopabandhu. They performed ‘Tilatarpana’—a traditional ritual to honor ancestors—in remembrance of Utkalamani. Teachers from Satyabadi High School and Government Girls’ School, members of Club Satyabadi, Bharat Vikas Parishad, Satyabadi Swabhiman Mancha, the servitors of the Satyabadi Sakhigopinath Temple, Mission Satyabadi, and the Satyabadi Yoga Family, among others, took part in the ritual. Led by a priest, participants took vows and performed the tilatarpana ritual alongside students, while recalling the legacy of the revered leader.
Later, in front of the Sakhigopal Temple, Executive Officer of the Temple, Shri Bishwabhasi Tripathy, and Pujapanda Bishwanath Mohapatra performed a ceremonial bath of Gopabandhu’s statue and offered flowers, sandal paste, garlands, lamps, and incense.
A memorial gathering was then held in the Satyabadi High School premises under the auspices of Mission Satyabadi, chaired by Shri Satyabadi Das. Veteran Odia literary scholar and language advocate Shri Parshuram Dwivedi attended as the chief guest, while Prof. Sarat Chandra Rath, a former student of the school and former Professor of Odia Literature at Utkal University, served as the keynote speaker. Eminent social worker Sitabalabh Mohapatra was the guest of honor.
The program began with a welcome address and guest introduction by the acting Headmistress, Smt. Baijayanti Mishra. Students who excelled in various competitions held earlier were awarded by the dignitaries.
Throughout the event, volunteers such as Debashish Mishra, Singhari Alok Khuntia, and sports teacher Suchitra Khatei coordinated the activities. Teachers like Basanta, Savita Rath, Deepa Guru, and others provided their active support to ensure the success of the commemoration.
