Cuttack: The Odisha State Bar Council has demanded Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, to great visionary Utkal Gaurab Madhusudan Das for his immense contribution towards building of modern Odisha.
In a resolution adopted at a meeting, the bar council sought quick steps for awarding Bharat Ratna to Madhusudan Das posthumously in view of his significant contribution towards formation of Odisha as a separate state.
It was also decided to send formal request to the authorities concerned on behalf of the bar council. Members of the bar council stressed the need for the Central government to take immediate step on the issue.
While many great leaders have been honoured with the coveted Bharata Ratna since 1954, no Odia legendary has so far been given the award.
For his unbridled ambition, dedication and action with indomitable courage and intelligence, Madhu Babu has carved a niche for himself in the heart and minds of millions of Odia people.
Born on 28 April 1848 at Satyabhamapur in Cuttack, Madhusudan Das was a lawyer by profession who, in his early fifties, gave the linguistic movement the impetus it needed by establishing an Odia socio-cultural organisation called Utkal Sammilani. He later came to be known as ‘Utkal Gauraba’, or the pride of the ancient Utkala kingdom.
The bar council also informed that the Advocates Academy has been functionalised with an aim to enhance the professional efficiency of lawyers.
Noted advocate and senior member of the council Bibhu Prasad Tripathy has been appointed the Coordinator-cum-Convenor of the Academy, it said in a release.
