Madhusudan Das, also known as Utkal Gourav, was a prominent Indian lawyer, freedom fighter, and social reformer who played a significant role in the development of modern Odisha. Born on April 28, 1848, in Satyabhamapur, a small village in Cuttack district of Odisha, he was the son of a wealthy landowner.

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Madhusudan Das received his early education at Cuttack’s Mission School, where he displayed exceptional academic skills. He then went to Calcutta (now Kolkata) to pursue higher studies and earned a degree in law from the University of Calcutta in 1870. After completing his studies, he returned to Odisha and began practicing law in Cuttack.

Madhusudan Das was deeply influenced by the ideas of nationalism and social reform propagated by leaders such as Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi. He became actively involved in the Indian National Congress and played a crucial role in the freedom struggle against British rule.

Madhusudan Das was also a staunch advocate of social reform and worked tirelessly to eliminate social evils such as casteism and untouchability. He founded the Utkal Sammilani, an organization that aimed to promote social and cultural unity among the people of Odisha.

Madhusudan Das was also a visionary who realized the importance of education in the development of a society. He established several educational institutions, including the Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das College in Cuttack, which is named after him.

In addition to his contributions to the fields of law, politics, and social reform, Madhusudan Das was also a prolific writer and poet. He wrote several books and poems in Odia, which reflected his love for his mother tongue and his concern for the welfare of his people.

Madhusudan Das passed away on February 4, 1934, leaving behind a rich legacy of service and sacrifice. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of Odisha and as a true son of India who dedicated his life to the cause of freedom, social justice, and progress.