The Odisha government has given the green light for a significant cultural and educational project in Cuttack. A memorial museum dedicated to the revered leader and social reformer, Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das, will be established on the campus of Shailabala Women's Autonomous College.
Government Approves Tribute to a Visionary
The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by the state's Higher Education Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj, on Saturday. The meeting saw the participation of key officials, including Higher Education Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aravind Agarwal and Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture department Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya. The minister directed the Odia language, literature and culture department to take charge of developing the museum.
Preserving History at a Historic Site
The choice of location is deeply symbolic. The museum will be built at the site where Madhusudan Das's conference hall and residential office once functioned. This direct historical connection to Madhu Babu's life and work makes the location ideal for a memorial. The primary goal of this initiative is to meticulously preserve and publicly showcase the life, enduring ideals, and monumental contributions of Madhusudan Das to Odisha and India.
Minister Suraj emphasized the pioneering role played by both Madhusudan Das and his daughter, Shailabala Das, in advancing and strengthening women's education in the state. He expressed confidence that the proposed museum would serve as a powerful source of inspiration for future generations, ensuring that Madhu Babu's legacy and visionary outlook remain alive and influential.
A Legacy of Philanthropy and Education
The story of Shailabala Women's College itself is a testament to this legacy. In 1952, Shailabala Das donated her father's residence specifically for the promotion of women's education in Odisha. This generous act led directly to the establishment of the college that now bears her name. Demonstrating further commitment, she also donated her own residence, Madhumandir, to provide sustained support for the institution.
The establishment of this memorial museum is more than just a construction project; it is an act of institutional memory. By creating a dedicated space to honor Madhusudan Das, the government aims to educate the public about his multifaceted role as a lawyer, journalist, legislator, and passionate advocate for Odia identity and women's empowerment. It solidifies the physical and historical link between the visionary father, his philanthropist daughter, and the premier educational institution they helped create.
