 Eminent personalities of Odisha have enlightened a large variety of fields since several centuries and hail from this eastern Indian state of the country. Odisha has produced innumerable renowned celebrities who have earned national and global recognition in the spheres of arts and literature, education, sports, national and social leadership, journalism and many other kinds of professionals. Odisha boasts of a continued and long tradition and cultural heritage, which has ignited a spark of expertise into numerable personalities born and brought up in this portion of India. Such talented people existed in Odisha in ancient times, medieval and modern times.
Famous Personalities of Medieval Age Odisha has given birth to a vast number of eminent personalities who are known for their significant contribution in different fields which includes literature, education, national leader and much more. Fakir Mohan Senapati Fakir Mohan Senapati was born during 1843 and he was an important figure in Odiya literature, thanks to his unique, humour-infested short stories. He was fond of weaving intense plots associated to the common man and his issues and romantic themes did not fascinate him. He is often compared to Bibhutibhusan Banerjee and Premchand, novelists of the 20th century. Besides writing, Fakir Senapati achieved fame through paintings, teaching and administration despite the fact that he never received any formal education. He also wrote about Odiya nationalism and composed poems. He died in 1918. Pandit Gopabandhu Das Also referred to as the 'Mahatma Gandhi of Odisha', Pandit Gopabandhu Das was actively involved in the creation of a distinct province known as Odisha and was born in 1876. He disapproved of the caste system prevalent in the nation during that time and was a Law graduate from Calcutta University. Gopabandhu Das was said to be a great freedom fighter, social reformer and an educationist. Mahatma Gandhi regarded him as one amongst the 'Noblest Sons of Odisha'. The Satyabadi School was established in Puri under his supervision and he motivated his students to rebel against the British Raj in India. He believed that politics enabled effectual service to his countrymen. He lived till 1928. Gajapati Maharaja Krushna Chadra Deva Born in 1892, Gajapati Maharaja Krushna Chandra Deva had proposed for the development of a separate province of Odisha during the first Round Table Conference, on 16th November, 1930. He rendered his services for the cause of the poverty-stricken and distressed people, being a descendant of the Ganga ruler. The foundation of United Odisha is attributed to this man, who worked as a member of old Madras Legislative Council, Orissa Legislative Assembly and the royal commission of agriculture. He fought relentlessly to improve the conditions of the downtrodden and the poor. He was elected twice, for the designation of the office of the Prime Minister of Odisha. He died in the year 1974. Famous Personalities of Modern Age During the British regime in the country, several legendary people graced the land of Odisha, through their many illustrious services to the nation. Many national leaders, educationists and personalities excelling in the field of science belong to this Indian state. 
Raja Artatran Deo
Born in 1900, Raja Artatran Deo was the ruler of Khariar which constitutes modern-day Nuapada District and he succeeded to the throne in 1921. He was noted for his developmental efforts in education, arts and culture. Apart from that, he was also a spirited sportsman who was a member of various organizations. Historians have stated that he arranged for scholarships for meritorious students, for the purpose of their higher education. The 'Beer Bikram Theatre' was patronised by Raja Artatran Deo, which was said to be the very first stable Odiya stage in Odisha. He was an influential man and under his leadership, the State of Odisha and the 'Khariar Zamindari' merged together. He died in 1946. Biju Pattnaik Biju Pattnaik was born in 1916 and as a reputed pilot and was drawn to Science and Technology and instituted the International Kalinga Prize. Along with Dr. Ram Mohan Lohia, Shri Jayaprakash Narayan and others, he spearheaded the underground movement aimed at achieving the freedom of India. He was the leader of Air Transport command in the war which occurred during the 1940 to 1942. The Indonesia Government had honoured him with the title of 'Bhumipatra' and he was credited for establishing the foundations of Odisha. He worked ceaselessly for the upliftment of the regional inhabitants of Odisha. Biju Pattnaik was the Chief Minister of Odisha from 1961 to 1963 and 1990 to 1995. From 1952, he was elected to Odisha Legislative Assembly. In 1997, he breathed his last. Kalindi Charana Panigrahi Kalindi Charana Panigrahi was born at Khurda and belongs to 'Sabuja Goshthi' or the Green Community of Odiyan Poets. He is a well-known essayist, dramatist, story writer, editor, novelist and distinguished poet. 'Jaha Ange Nivaichi', his autobiography is amongst the celebrated literary creations of Odisha. He wrote 'Matira Manisa' which has been adapted into a film and he has been honoured with the Padma Bhushan, fellowship from Kendra Sahitya Academy, A. D.Litt Degree from Sambalpur University. He passed away in 1991. Famous Personalities of Contemporary Age There exists uncountable number of personalities of great repute who have shot to fame in different fields like arts and culture, film direction and entertainment, sports and so on. Bijoy Ketan Mishra Bijoy Ketan Mishra was born in Cuttack, in the year 1959 and is an important media professional. Besides, he is also the resident editor of the Odiyan edition of the newspaper named 'Political and Business Daily'. He directs art movies in Odiya language in this state. 'Ahalya' movie was debut directorial venture, which depicts a disappointed lady who is widowed in her childhood. Over the last 15 years, Bijoy Ketan Mishra has directed several documentary movies, of which the most famous is 'Sachi Raut Roy'. He has pursued graduation from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack and post graduation from University of Delhi. Debashish Mohanty Popularly known as Debashis Sarbeswar Mohanty, he was born on 20th July, 1976 and is a former cricket player of India. He had played in 45 ODIs and 2 Test Matches from the year 1997 to 2001. He had represented East Zone and Odisha in Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy respectively. He was a right-arm bowler who played in medium-fast pace. Presently, he provides his services for NALCO, Bhubaneshwar and is appointed as the coach for Odisha Ranji team. Other Eminent Personalities of Odisha The various other famous personalities of Odisha include Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das, Nandini Satapathy, Sam Pitroda, Nandita Das, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Bijaya Lena and so on. |
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