Pandit Nilakantha Das, also known as Utkal Gaurav, was a prominent figure in the history of Odisha. He was a renowned political leader, educationist, and social reformer who played a significant role in shaping the socio-political landscape of the state. Born in the year 1874 in the village of Kalyanpur in the Cuttack district, Pandit Nilakantha Das was a brilliant scholar from an early age.
Pandit Das received his primary education in a village school and later joined the Ravenshaw Collegiate School for higher studies. He then went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Arts from the Ravenshaw College in Cuttack. After completing his studies, Pandit Das took up teaching as a profession and served as a lecturer in various colleges in Odisha.
Apart from his academic pursuits, Pandit Das was deeply involved in the freedom movement of India. He was a staunch supporter of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and played a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion against British colonial rule. Pandit Das actively participated in various social and political movements and was known for his fiery speeches and strong leadership.
In 1922, Pandit Nilakantha Das founded the Utkal Congress Party, which later merged with the Indian National Congress. He was elected as a member of the Legislative Council and later served as the Minister of Health and Education in the Odisha Government. Pandit Das worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people of Odisha and introduced several reforms in the education sector.
One of Pandit Nilakantha Das’ most significant contributions was in the field of education. He believed that education was the key to societal progress and worked towards improving the quality of education in Odisha. Pandit Das was instrumental in setting up several educational institutions in the state, including the Nilakantha High School in Cuttack, which was named in his honor.
Pandit Das was also a prolific writer and thinker. He authored several books and essays on a wide range of subjects, including politics, education, and social reform. His writings are considered to be a valuable resource for understanding the history and culture of Odisha.
Pandit Nilakantha Das’ untimely death in 1934 was a great loss to the people of Odisha. However, his legacy lives on through his contributions to the fields of education, politics, and social reform. Pandit Das is remembered as a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the service of the people and the advancement of society.
In conclusion, Pandit Nilakantha Das was a multifaceted personality who left an indelible mark on the history of Odisha. His life and work continue to inspire generations of Odias to strive for excellence and work towards the betterment of society. Utkal Gaurav Pandit Nilakantha Das will always be remembered as a stalwart leader and an icon of Odia pride.
Books Info
| Books name | Pandit Nilakantha Das |
| Author | NA |
| No Of pages | 11 |
| Publisher | NA |
| Publication | NA |
| Printed At | NA |
| Distributor | NA |