Utkal Mani Gopabandhu Das to Be Honored with Bharat Ratna

In the fields of public service, education, and in the historic effort to establish Odisha as a separate state, the contribution of Utkal Mani Gopabandhu Das is unparalleled. He is not only the “Jewel of Odisha,” but also the Jewel of India. Despite his immense service and contributions to the nation, this beloved son of the soil has not yet received the recognition he truly deserves.

Based on this sentiment, on the auspicious occasion of Utkal Divas, a foot march (pada yatra) was organized today by the Anusthan organization, starting from Shrikhetra (Puri) to Suaando village. The core message of the march was the demand to posthumously confer the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, upon Gopabandhu Das.

To support this cause, a signature campaign was launched today, which will be carried out across Odisha for one full year. At the end of the campaign, the Anusthan organization will formally submit the demand to both the Central and State Governments.

According to the organization, this recognition would be the highest and most fitting tribute to Utkal Mani Gopabandhu Das.