Madhusudan Das, popularly known as UtkalGourab, stands out as a distinguished nationalist leader who contributed his share to India's independence. Madhusudan Das was born on April 28, 1848 in Satyabhamapur village in Cuttak district in Orissa. His father was Choudhury Raghunath Das and mother was Parvati Devi. In 1870, he became the first Oriya to complete B.A. In 1873, he worked his way to higher education and passed M.A and B.L. examinations from Calcutta University. He worked untiringly for the political, social and economical upliftment of people of Eastern India, especially Orissa, and rendered commendable service to the nation as a lawyer, social reformer and patriot. To arouse the sense of patriotism in the hearts of millions, he contributed a number of articles and poems in both of Oriya and English literature. He was also a powerful speaker in Oriya, English and Bengali. Madhu Babu was the founder of Utkal Sammilani, an Oriya movement and pioneer in the field of industrial development. He is acclaimed as a great Legislator and Journalist. Mr. Das was the first Oriya to be the member of Legislative Council and Member of Central Legislative Assembly. He was the first Oriya to sail overseas. He had the distinction of being the first Indian Minister. Madhusudan das has written some important poems like “Utkal Santan”, “Jati Itihash” and “Jananira Ukti”. He gave away his earnings generously for the cause of higher education of poor students and contributed liberally to various political, social and cultural organizations. Published on State Poratal (www.orissa.gov.in) English and Bengali. He donated his earnings generously for the cause of higher education of poor students and contributed liberally to various political. Mahatma Gandhi described him as a great Indian patriot who wore himself out in giving shape and reality to various nation-building schemes. To arouse the sense of patriotism in the hearts of millions. social and cultural organisations. social reformer and patriot. At the age of thirty-one he became a widower without any issue. Published on State Poratal (www. He died on February 4. He spent all his earnings for the common cause and died a pauper. He was also a powerful orator in Oriya.in) .orissa. especially Orissa.gov. He worked hard to rehabilitate the Orissan artisans who were celebrated for their artistic skills. Having no immediate family responsibilities and liabilities he decided to dedicate his life to the Cause of Oriyas.Prime Figure on Nationalist Movement He worked untiringly for the political. 1934. social and economical uplift of people of Eastern India. he contributed a number of articles and poems both of Oriya and English literature. He earned sufficiently from his legal practice because of his deep understanding of the intricacies of law and his neat presentation. and rendered commendable service to the nation as a lawyer. In the last part of his life he had to declare himself insolvent.