The Union Minister was speaking at the 96th death anniversary of Utkalmani Gopabandhu organised by the Samaj at Jayadev Bhawan here. President Droupadi Murmu graced the occasion as chief guest.
"Pandit Gopabandhu Das was such a great person and visionary leader that his writings have inspired Odias for decades and will be doing so for all the times to come," said Pradhan. He paid rich tributes to Utkalmani.
He said Pandit Gopabandhu had dedicated his entire life till death for the society. "Such a personality is rarely seen in India," said he.
Stating that the life history of many legendary Odia people had not come to light when Odisha is heading to celebrate its formation centenary after 12 years in 1936 and India its Independence centenary in 1947, Pradhan stressed promoting intellectual properties and values of all such Odia personalities in coming days.
"Let the Odia race restore its glorious identity as per time. It should be today's resolution," urged Pradhan.
Governor Raghubar Das and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also graced this occasion.
A souvenir on Pandit Gopabandhu was released on the occasion.
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