Bande Utkala Janani

Bande Utkala Janani

Bande Utkala Janani is an Odia patriotic poem written by Kantakabi Laxmikanta Mohapatra. When Odisha became a state on 1 April 1936, this poem was made the state song of Odisha.[1]

The poem envisages a Utkala who maintains her self-respect and dignity from a position of confidence and strength rather than insecurity and fear. This movement for a separate province also gathered momentum in Odisha. The Utkal Sammilani (a federation of Odias) was leading this movement. This influenced the poet Laxmikanta Mohapatra, who was then young and energetic. He started writing Bande Utkala Janani (Glory To The Mother Utkala!) and some other fiery songs with a patriotic motive. Well, known national poet of Odisha Banchhanidhi Mohanty was also a good singer. He used to sing Laxmikanta's patriotic songs throughout Odisha and inspired everyone. Once Rabindra Nath Tagore wrote in one of his essays i.e. "A Vision of India's History" that 'the history of India has been the history of a struggle between the mechanical spirit of conformity in social organization and the creative spirit of man which seeks freedom and love in self-expression' justifies Laxmikanta as a true patriotic poet

This song was first sung at the Utkal Sammilani's Conference at Balasore in 1912, This song was used as a weapon by the Utkal Sammilani to emancipate Odisha

In a meeting at Bhadrak, where the poet Kantakabi was felicitated, the then young leader of Odisha Harekrushna Mahtab admitted that the poet Laxmikanta's patriotic songs have inspired him a lot

In the past, outsiders like Mughals and Britishers ruled Odisha and its geographical boundaries changed from time to time accordingly

The State Government's decision to stand up to pay respect when the song is played has been praised.

Therefore, it was made compulsory at the end of any Odisha Legislative Assembly Session and in the beginning of school prayer in State Govt. schools in Odisha during the 1990s.