Famous Personalities of Odisha

Odisha is one of the most popular states in India, and so are its successful and memorable personalities. Many popular figures of Odisha made the people of the state and the whole nation proud. They are well known for their hard work and dedication in every field, including literature, education, artistry, religious practices, freedom movements, politics, social service, sports, etc. Some of these popular personalities are Chandra Sekhar Behera, Sarala Dasa, ranjan das, sarala devi, baji rout, baba balia, and many more.  

Chandra Sekhar Behera 

It is worth having some information about Chandra Sekhar Behera, one of the most popular personalities in Odisha. His name and work still inspire a lot of people. Chandra Sekhar Behera was an active member and a freedom fighter who led the non-cooperation movement. His activities were very inspiring, and later on, he was a part of the Indian national congress to consolidate the national freedom movement. He also was a founder of the national school of Sambalpur. 

Rama Devi 

Rama Devi was a social reformer and a freedom fighter. The people of Odisha called her ‘maa’. The Rama Devi Women’s University is also named after her. Rama Devi was a part of the Indian independence movement. Her inspiration was Mahatma Gandhi. She also was an active member of the non-cooperation movement. She encouraged many women to participate in the non-cooperation movement by visiting village to village. She was an active member of the salt satyagraha movement in Odisha. 

Nanda Kishore Bal

Nanda Kishore Bal played a significant role in modernising Odia poetry. The depictions of nature and beauty in rural Odisha can be seen in his poems. He is also known as Palli Kabi. He portrayed many things of rural Odisha, like festivals, superstitions, and the simplicity of Odisha. Also, his poems were based on problems based on social culture. Some of his famous poems are Palli Chitra, tarangini, nirmalya, Prabhat Sangeeta, Krishna kumari, and sandhya Sangita. He also wrote a novel named Kanakalata in 1925.  

Bhima Bhoi

He was a poet, philosopher, and saint of Odisha. He was a devotee of Mahima Swamy. Liberation, as well as humanity, was the basic depiction of his poems. The impact of Bhima Bhoi’s poetry and his life is researched at the Gangadhar Meher university and Kalinga institute of social sciences. 

Birsa Munda 

Birsa Munda belonged to the Munda tribe. He was a tribal freedom fighter and a religious leader from Odisha in India. He was also a popular folk hero. He was a significant figure in the Indian independence movement. His slogans are still remembered in many states of India like Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh. He stated that the era of Queen Victoria was over, and it was the time of Munda Raj. He worked for them on behalf of his people and raised voices to no more pay rent. He and his people were against Britishers. They attacked the places of Britishers for over two years. 

Fakir Mohan Senapati 

Fakir Mohan Senapati is also known as Utkala Byasa Kabi. He was a popular Indian poet, writer, philosopher, and social reformer. He played a significant role in identifying odia. Odia is the main language which is spoken in the state of Odisha. He is known as the father of modern Odia literature and the father of Odia nationalism. He wrote four novels that depicted the social and cultural conditions of Odisha. He also wrote ‘Rebati’, the first short story in odia. 

Dr. Ramesh Chandra Parida

Ramesh Chandra Parida was a professor of Chemistry, in the College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology. He is recognised as a famous writer of scientific literature in Odisha. He was also a scientist in a regional research laboratory and was the principal of an aeronautics college. His main field of research was the study of rice protein, and he has published 20 research papers on this topic. Utkal university awarded him a Ph. D degree. 

Jagannatha Gajapati Narayana Deo II

He was the king of Paralakhemundi from 1736 CE to 1771 CE. he became the king when the conditions of Odisha were not at all good because of the conflicts between Britishers, French, Mughals, and Marathas. He revived the lost essence of the Hindu culture in Odisha. The upcoming rulers and revolters were highly inspired by his efforts against the disputes caused by external affairs. His stepbrother and son also were inspired by him to fight against Britishers and regain the glory of Odisha. 

Madhab Chandra Routray 

He started a revolt against the East India Company in Odisha. He was known as ‘Samanta’. He also fought against the rules of Maratha and Britishers. His statue is also constructed at Khordha. He fought against the attack on tapanga by Britishers for seven days. He is well known in Odisha for the Indian freedom struggle and revolts against the Britishers. He encouraged and inspired others to raise their voices and get their deserved rights. 

Conclusion 

Many famous personalities from Odisha are well known all over India. These prominent personalities made the people of Odisha proud by taking part in many activities and making them successful. Chandra Sekhar Behera, Madhab Chandra Routray, Bhima Bhoi, Birsa Munda, and other figures are some of the most popular people of Odisha who took part in fighting against the Britishers and bringing a significant change in the religious and cultural society in the state of Odisha.