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Famous Personalities of Odisha: Odisha earlier known as Orissa, is located on the eastern coast of India. It is famous for its stunning beaches, ancient temples and different festivals. The state is also home to the most famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. On 1st April 1936, Odisha became the first state in India to be formed on a linguistic basis. But, the state is not only known for these reasons, it is also renowned because of its great leaders, politicians, social reformers and people who have contributed immensely to nation-building through their sacrifice and skills. Read more to get on detailed overview of the famous personalities of Odisha and their contribution along with their achievements.
List of Famous Personalities of Odisha
From freedom fighters to poets, social reformers to political leaders, these famous personalities of Odisha have contributed in various fields and brought great pride and glory to both the state and the nation. Let us get to know them further –
| Name | Field | Contributions |
| Biju Patnaik | Politician, Aviator | Freedom fighter; twice Chief Minister of Odisha |
| Gopabandhu Das | Social Worker, Poet | Led political and social reforms; known as Utkalamani |
| Madhusudan Das | Lawyer, Poet | First graduate and advocate of Odisha; anti-British leader |
| Chandra Sekhar Behera | Freedom Fighter, Educationist | Led non-cooperation movement; founded the National School |
| Rama Devi | Social Reformer, Freedom Fighter | Pioneer of women’s participation in the freedom movement |
| Nanda Kishore Bal | Poet | Known as Palli Kabi; modernized Odia poetry |
| Bhima Bhoi | Poet, Philosopher | Advocate of liberation and humanity |
| Fakir Mohan Senapati | Writer, Poet | Father of modern Odia literature |
| Jagannatha Gajapati Narayana Deo II | King of Paralakhemundi | Revived Hindu culture; resisted British influence |
| Madhab Chandra Routray | Freedom Fighter | Led revolts against British and Maratha rule |
| Dr. Ramesh Chandra Parida | Scientist, Writer | Research on rice protein; prolific writer of scientific literature |
Biju Patnaik – The Legendary Politician and Aviator
Bijayananda Patnaik also popularly known as Biju Patnaik, is one of the most renowned personalities from Odisha. Born on March 5, 1916, in Cuttack, Odisha, Biju Patnaik’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle, aviation, and Odisha’s development have made him a national hero.
In his early life, Biju Patnaik had a deep interest in aviation, which led him to drop out of Ravenshaw College and train as a pilot. During World War II, he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) and played a crucial role in the war effort. After India’s independence, Biju Patnaik’s contributions continued. He served as the Chief Minister of Odisha twice, leading the state towards modernization and development. His efforts in building infrastructure, education and industries are still remembered.
| Field | Achievements |
| Politician | Twice Chief Minister of Odisha |
| Aviator | Freedom fighter; participated in WWII |
| Legacy | Biju Patnaik Airport, BPUT, Panchayat Raj Divas |
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Gopabandhu Das -The Jewel of Odisha
Gopabandhu Das also known as Utkalamani (Jewel of Odisha), was a multifaceted personality. Born on October 9, 1877, in Suando Village, he hailed from a wealthy family but chose a path of selfless service to the people.
He was not only a social worker and reformer but also a poet and political activist. His efforts during the famine and floods in Odisha, as well as his leadership in the Indian independence movement, made him a beloved person.
He is best known for founding the Utkal Sammilani, an organization that worked towards the socio-political development of Odisha. His literary works, combined with his social and political activism, earned him the title of Utkalamani. The Gopabandhu Ayurvedic College was built and has been named to honour him.
| Field | Achievements |
| Social Worker | Worked during famine and floods in Odisha, Advocated for Odisha’s rights in salt manufacturing |
| Political Leader | Founded Utkal Sammilani |
| Poet | Utkalamani (Jewel of Odisha) |
Madhusudan Das: The Grand Old Man of Odisha
Madhusudan Das often referred to as Kulabruddha (Grand Old Man of Odisha) and Utkala Gaurav (Pride of Odisha), was a renowned famous personality in Odisha’s history. Born on April 28, 1848, in Satyabhampur, near Cuttack, Madhusudan Das was the first graduate and advocate of Odisha.
Madhusudan Das was a man of many talents—he was a lawyer, poet, journalist, entrepreneur, and social reformer. His fluency in Odia, English, and Bengali allowed him to write extensively, contributing to literature and journalism. As a lawyer, he fought for Odisha’s rights, particularly in the fields of education and political representation. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Utkal Tannery, setting new standards in quality production.
| Field | Achievements |
| Lawyer | First graduate and advocate of Odisha |
| Poet | Wrote extensively in Odia, English, and Bengali |
| Entrepreneur | Established Utkal Tannery |
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Rama Devi also affectionately known as “Maa,” was a social reform and a freedom fighter from Odisha. Born into a well-to-do family, she was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and became an ardent follower of his principles of non-violence and social justice.
Rama Devi influenced many women during the freedom movement. She travelled from village to village, encouraging women to participate in the non-cooperation and Salt Satyagraha movements.
| Field | Achievements |
| Social Reformer | Promoted women’s rights and social justice |
| Freedom Fighter | Active in non-cooperation and Salt Satyagraha |
| Legacy | Rama Devi Women’s University, Odisha’s first women’s university, is named in her honour |
Nanda Kishore Bal – The Poet of Rural Odisha
Nanda Kishore Bal, known as “Palli Kabi” or “The Poet of Rural Odisha,” was one of the most celebrated poets of his time. Born on December 22, 1875, in Cuttack, Odisha, he revolutionised Odia poetry by infusing it with the essence of rural life and traditions.
His poetry depicted the simple yet profound lives of rural people, making his works relatable to the masses. He modernised Odia’s poetry by breaking away from classical styles and introducing themes that resonated with the common man. Among his collections are, Palli Chitra (The Picture of the Countryside), Nirjharini(The Stream), Basanta-Kokila, Charuchitra, Tarangini, Nirmalya, Sandhya Sangita, Prabhata Sangeeta, Sarmishtha and Krushna Kumari.
| Field | Achievements |
| Famous Works | Hundreds of Sonnets, Kanaklata (novel), Nana Baya Gita (lyrical poem) |
| Legacy | Modernized Odia poetry, alli Kabi title in his honour |
| Poems | Palli Chitra, Basanta-Kokila, Sandhya Sangita, etc |
Other Popular Odia Personalities
- Chandra Sekhar Behera – A politician, freedom fighter and leader of the non-cooperation movement from Odisha, founder of the National School in Sambalpur.
- Fakir Mohan Senapati – Known as the father of modern Odia literature. He fought for the preservation of the Odia language, and authored “Chha Mana Atha Guntha”.Fakir Mohan University in Odisha is named in his honour.
- Jagannatha Gajapati Narayana Deo II – King of Paralakhemundi, a princely state in Odisha. As a patron of the arts and culture, he promoted classical Odia music, dance, and literature.
- Madhab Chandra Routray – Known as “Madhab Babu,” he led revolts against British and Maratha rule. He took active participation in the Quit India Movement and was also a member of the Constituent Assembly of India.
- Dr. Ramesh Chandra Parida – A renowned scientist and writer from Odisha. He greatly contributed to the development and research on rice protein and wrote nearly 3000 articles, 80 books in Odia 300 articles and 11 books in English.
FAQs
Biju Patnaik is regarded as the most famous politician from Odisha. He is known for his contributions to India’s freedom struggle and his two terms as Chief Minister of Odisha.
Nanda Kishore Bal also known as Palli Kabi, is known for modernizing Odia literature.
Fakir Mohan Senapati is considered the father of modern Odia literature. He is known for his work in preserving the Odia language and his classic novel “Chha Mana Atha Guntha.”
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