The freedom fighter known as ‘Utkalmani’, who played a vital role in social reform and education in Odisha, was:

Gopabandhu Das
Lakshmi Narayan Sahu
Chakradhar Behera
Madhusudan Das

The correct answer is: a) Gopabandhu Das.

Gopabandhu Das was a freedom fighter, social reformer, and educationist who played a vital role in the development of Odisha. He was popularly known as Utkalmani, which means “jewel of Odisha”.

Das was born in Cuttack, Odisha, in 1869. He studied law at the University of Calcutta and then returned to Odisha to practice law. He soon became involved in the freedom struggle and was one of the founders of the Indian National Congress in Odisha.

Das was also a social reformer and worked to improve the lives of the people of Odisha. He founded several schools and colleges and worked to promote education among the people of Odisha. He also worked to improve the condition of women and the poor.

Das was a great leader and a true patriot. He dedicated his life to the service of his country and his people. He is remembered as one of the greatest freedom fighters and social reformers of Odisha.

The other options are incorrect because:

  • Lakshmi Narayan Sahu was a businessman and philanthropist who played a role in the development of Odisha. However, he was not a freedom fighter or social reformer.
  • Chakradhar Behera was a politician and freedom fighter who played a role in the development of Odisha. However, he was not as well-known as Gopabandhu Das.
  • Madhusudan Das was a poet and writer who played a role in the development of Odia literature. However, he was not a freedom fighter or social reformer.