Odisha has given India some of its most inspiring leaders, literary icons, reformers, and heroes. From the brave voices of pre-independence to modern-day change-makers, here’s a tribute to Odisha’s timeless gems.
🏛️ Pre-Independence Legends of Odisha
🥇1. Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das (1848–1934)
- First graduate and lawyer of Odisha.
- Played a key role in the formation of Odisha as a separate province in 1936.
- Founded Utkal Sammilani to promote Odia language, culture, and identity. He was the first who fought for Odisha’s linguistic identity.
- Known as “Utkal Gourab” (Pride of Utkal). Also Known as the “Architect of Modern Odisha”.
✍️ 2. Gopabandhu Das (1877–1928)
- Founder of The Samaja newspaper.
- Established Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya to promote nationalistic education
- Known as “Utkalmani” (Jewel of Utkal).
- Called the “Pioneer of Modern Odisha.”
📚 3. Fakir Mohan Senapati (1843–1918)
- Father of Modern Odia Literature.
- Author of Chha Mana Atha Guntha, the first Indian novel to deal with feudal exploitation.
- Played a key role in the revival of the Odia language.
📝 4. Radhanath Ray (1848–1908)
- Gave new dimensions to Odia poetry with romanticism and nationalism.
- Considered a pioneer of modern Odia poetry.
- Advocated for Odia language rights & Promoted Odia as a medium of education.
🎓 5. Pandit Nilakantha Das (1884–1967)
- Scholar, poet, politician.
- Played a key role in the formation of Odisha.
- Championed Odia language in schools.
👑 6. Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati (1892–1974)
- First Prime Minister of Odisha Province (1937).
- Donated land and wealth for public welfare and education.
- Key leader in the Odisha state formation movement & One of the first visionaries for a united Odisha.
🌟 Post-Independence Era Personalities (After 1947)
✈️ 1. Biju Patnaik (1916–1997)
- Aviator, freedom fighter, and played a heroic role in Indonesia’s independence.
- Served as Chief Minister of Odisha twice.
- Launched major industries and infrastructure development in Odisha
👩⚖️ 2. Nandini Satpathy (1931–2006)
- First woman Chief Minister of Odisha.
- Contributed significantly to Odia literature.
- Promoted women’s education and welfare.
👵 3. Rama Devi Choudhury (1899–1985)
- Freedom fighter, participated in Quit India Movement & social reformer.
- Worked for women empowerment and rural development.
- She was called Maa (Mother) by the people of Odisha
- The Ramadevi Women’s University in Bhubaneswar has been named after her
🗳️ 4. Naveen Patnaik
- Longest-serving CM of Odisha from 2000—2024 .
- Known for clean governance, disaster management, and women-centric policies.
- Founder of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Party
🏖️ 5. Sudarsan Pattnaik
- World-renowned Sand Artist from Puri.
- Represented India globally.
- Promoter of art with social messages.
🖊️ Notable Writers & Artists of Odisha
Gangadhar Meher (1862–1924)– Swabhaba Kavi (Nature Poet) Blended classical and folk Odia styles.
Manoj Das (1934–2021) – Bilingual writer (Odia & English), Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee.
Pratibha Ray – Noted novelist, won Jnanpith Award for her contribution to Odia literature.
Rituraj Mohanty – Singer, winner of India’s Raw Star
🖊️Notable National Achievers from Odisha
Srikanth Kidambi: Top-ranked international badminton player
Sudarsan Pattnaik: World-renowned sand artist from Puri.
Apart from above Iconic Personalities, there is so many Odia personnel bring glory for Odisha, both Nationally & Internationally.
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