The Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das Foundation celebrated the birth anniversary of legendary Odia freedom fighter Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das at his birthplace Suando in Puri district with much fanfare.
Chaired by Gopabandhu’s grandson Rabindra Nath Das, a meeting was held at the village near the Panchasakha Pitha. Working president of the organisation Dr Alekh Chandra Padhiari spoke about the contributions of Gopabandhu to the society in his short span of life. He also said the role of Gopabandhu is educative and replicable. Gandhiji was also inspired to wear dhoti above kneel from Gopabandhu, he added.
Coordinator of the foundation Santosh Kumar Adhikari, in his welcome address, informed about the objective and future of the programme. Dayanidhi Swain gave a vote of thanks.
The meeting was followed by dance, song, debate and painting competitions by school students under the supervision of Captain Subash Mishra, Santosh Upadhaya and Gaganeswar Thakur. Around 200 students were awarded.
Under the leadership of Santosh Adhikari, a motorcycle rally was also held on the occasion. A Sankirtan Yatra was also undertaken by Kaliprasad Samantray and group from Suando to Satyabadi Pitha.
