The Madhusudan Das Research Chair at KISS-DU observed the death anniversary of Utkala Gauraba Madhusudan Das on 4th February 2023. A students’ seminar was organized to mark the occasion and pay tributes to the great son of Odisha. The youth power was in full display in the conference hall as the research scholars from the Political Science, Education and Odia Programmes delivered presentations highlighting the life, contributions and works of the Legend. Hon’ble Founder KISS & KIIT, Dr. Achyuta Samanta garlanded the statue of Utkal Gauraba Madhusudan Das on the occasion.

Runita Pradhan, a Ph.D. scholar in the Political Science, delivered an informative talk on the contributions of Madhu Babu in the making of modern Odisha. She mention of the fact that it was Madhu Babu who with his incessant efforts restored the self-pride of Odia speaking people who were craving for an identity of their own. She especially referred to the issue of Odia language and culture and reminded the gathering that it was Madhu Babu’s selfless efforts that created a solid ground for protection and preservation of Odia language and culture. Coming back to selflessness, she drew comparisons between Madhu Babu and the Hon’ble Founder of KISS & KIIT, Dr. Achyuta Samanta and stressed that Dr. Samanta like Madhu Babu has connected himself to a bigger cause, that is education and empowerment of the tribal children and youth, with special focus on education of girls, as KISS-DU has been setting new benchmarks in quality education and holistic development of the youth.

Gautam Majhi, another Ph.D. scholar from the Political Science Programme also spoke about Madhu Babu’s role in promoting a culture of entrepreneurship in early 20th century Odisha. Madhu Babu took upon himself to promote Odisha’s famed filigree art. During his trip to England, Madhu Babu chose to showcase samples of Odia craftsmanship before the British connoisseurs. Utkal Tannery, the shoe manufacturing company he set up, broke new grounds in quality control.  He had a perfect roadmap in his mind for his motherland that included visions about social and industrial development. Sukul Mardi, a Ph.D. scholar from Education Programme, mentioned about the fact that Madhu Babu gave a lot of priority to primary education.  Mamata Hembram, another research scholar from the Odia Programme described how Madhu Babu made rich contributions to the field of Odia literature.

Professor Deepak Behera, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, KISS-DU and Professor Jugal Kishore Mishra, Chair Professor, Madhusudan Das Research Chair and the Director of IQAC, KISS-DU also spoke on the occasion. They highlighted how KISS-DU is in the process of establishing a research hub by bringing out books, publications, archives, annotated bibliography etc, on the life and works of the sons of the soil, through the various other Research Chairs (Gopabandhu Das Research Chair, Biju Patnaik Research Chair, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Research Chair, Laxman Naik Research Chair, Madhusudan Das Research and Birsa Munda Research Chair) which have been established in the University.