From Malkangiri to Satyabadi/Suando: A Pilgrimage to Utkalamani’s Land

Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia 2/12/2025 12:08:00 AM

Jyotiranjan Gudia and Kuni Nahak at Suando: Birth Place of Utkalamani Gopabandhu Das

 

        Today, my beloved Kuni and I visited the village of the great social reformer Utkalamani Gopabandhu Das. We explored his home and wandered through the village, which is incredibly beautiful and serene. Many visitors come to see this place, which has now become a tourist attraction. Gopabandhu Das’s deep love and dedication to society have made him an unforgettable figure in our history. We not only visited his house but also had a conversation with his grandson. During our discussion, we shared insights about our Malkangiri district's martyr, Lakshman Naik, making him aware of his contributions. Apart from this, we also explored the Gopabandhu Museum in the village, which holds precious memories of his life and work. The peaceful environment of the village inspired us and we took a moment to relax under a tree, as seen in this picture. Sitting together on the soft grass, I enjoyed reading a book while Kuni engaged with her phone. The fresh air, greenery and historical significance of the place made our visit even more special. It was a memorable experience that strengthened our admiration for the great Utkalamani Gopabandhu Das.

Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia

Posted by Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia

Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia was born on May 1, 1997, in Muduliguda village of Malkangiri district, Odisha. He belongs to a tribal community and has always stayed closely connected to the culture, traditions and social systems of indigenous people. He completed his Ph.D. at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar. His doctoral research focused on the traditional political system of the Didayi tribe, one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Odisha. His thesis, titled “Continuity and Changes of Traditional Political System of Didayi Tribe in Odisha: A Case Study of Malkangiri District,” examined how traditional governance structures have evolved in response to contemporary influences. He carried out extensive fieldwork in 12 villages across Malkangiri, studying traditional leadership roles such as Naik, Chalan, Pujari and Dishari. Committed to preserving tribal identity and knowledge, he continues to work toward empowering indigenous communities through research and advocacy. Dr. Jyotiranjan Gudia is the first Doctorate from the Didayi community of Malkangiri district of Odisha.

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