Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of his death anniversary, Utkal Gouraba Madhusudan Das, widely regarded as the father of Odia nationalism, was remembered for his unparalleled contribution to Odisha’s social, cultural, and political landscape.The Information & Public Relations Department organised a ceremonial tribute at Lok Bhavan Square in the city. The statue of Madhusudan Das was beautifully adorned, and the event witnessed the participation of several dignitaries and officials.Gurbir Singh, Director (Technical) of the department, and Deputy Director Sucheta Priyadarshini, along with other distinguished guests, paid their respects to the revered leader. Speaking on the occasion, they highlighted Madhusudan Das’s role in fostering Odia identity, promoting education, and shaping the socio-economic development of Odisha.Madhusudan Das, popularly known as “Utkal Gouraba,” played a pivotal role in the Odia renaissance and tirelessly worked for the formation of an independent Odisha. His efforts to unite the Odia-speaking regions despite linguistic and regional divisions left a lasting legacy.“His vision and relentless struggle ignited the spirit of patriotism among the Odia community and placed Odisha on the national stage,” noted one of the speakers at the event. The ceremony concluded with floral tributes and a moment of silence in his memory.