Madhusudan_Das

His Life and Achievements: 23
He had always in view the general welfare of the people. The
improvements he made on the Bihar and Orissa Municipal Laws are
highly creditable and unique in their nature. He possessed the
marvellous courage of his conviction and kept up his independence
of opinion and judgement till the last. He thought it wise to tender
his resignation from the office of Minister when he found that the
difference of his opinion in matter of his independent decision in
respect of making the post of the Minister of Local Self-Government
honorary was not accepted by the Governor.
The reputation of Mr. Das as a pioneer of national industry is
very great. The establishment of Utkal Tannery was his noble enterprise
and a great venture. This factory was unique in its kind and its
production excelled in quality those of other countries so much so
that it gained wide popularity in countries abroad. The excellence of
quality and durability of leather works manufactured by it commended
the use of boots made in the factory to the soldiers during the last
Great War. As ill-luck would have it, the great enterprise met with
failure no doubt, but not before Mr. Das had given an impetus to
the people of Orissa for development of such ideal industries
He was a careful observer of human nature and he had implicit
faith in God. He was such an efficient teacher that his impressive
tuition could produce man of giant intellect like late Sir Asutosh
Mukherji, one of the foremost educationists of the world as well as
one of the most capable justices of the premier High Court of Judicature
in India. He was a hard task master and merciless critic of the actions
of younger generation. His frowning and relentless criticisms fraught
with milk of human kindness were blessing to those who had the
privilege of being such victims. I for myself had the advantage of
being such a victim and I owe great veneration to the great soul for
the inspiration which I have imbibed from him for my activities in
life.
This great man has left us for about four years, but is still fresh
in our minds. So long as the Oriyas will have adoration for heroes
of their country Mr. Das will always remain enshrined in their hearts.
He is no more but his name and fame will endure very long.
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