What is Utkal Divas?
Utkal Divas is the foundation day of the Indian state of Odisha. It’s celebrated on April 1st every year to commemorate the formation of the state as a separate province on April 1, 1936. It’s a significant day for the people of Odisha, marked with cultural events, parades, and celebrations across the state.
some brief ideas about Utkal Divas!
Odisha was formed on April 1, 1936, through the amalgamation of multiple Odia-speaking regions from the erstwhile British provinces of Bihar and Orissa, along with some princely states. The formation aimed to create a separate administrative unit for the Odia-speaking population, enabling better governance and development tailored to the region’s cultural and linguistic identity. This move was significant as it recognized the distinctiveness of the Odia-speaking people and their desire for self-governance.
Several leaders and activists played crucial roles in advocating for the formation of Odisha as a separate state. Some notable figures include:
- Madhusudan Das: Known as the “Father of Odisha,” he was a prominent lawyer, social reformer, and politician who spearheaded the movement for Odisha’s separate identity during the British colonial era.
- Utkalamani Gopabandhu Das: A renowned freedom fighter, social reformer, and journalist, he played a significant role in mobilizing public support for the cause of separate statehood for Odisha.
- Orissa Liberation Movement: This movement, led by various activists and political leaders, campaigned for the merger of Odia-speaking regions into a single administrative unit. Their efforts ultimately led to the formation of Odisha as a separate province.
These leaders and movements worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the linguistic and cultural distinctiveness of Odisha and advocated for its recognition as a separate administrative entity. Their contributions laid the foundation for the creation of the state of Odisha on April 1, 1936.