Bhubaneswar, July 6 (Reporter) President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday said that people should take inspiration from Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, who had a pan-India vision and was dedicated to Odia pride as well as Indian nationalism. Addressing the 96th Death Anniversary of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das here this evening, the President said that Pandit Gopabandhu wrote, "Wherever I am in India, I should believe that I am at home." "We should take inspiration from this pan-India vision of Gopabandhu ji," she stated. The President said it doesn't matter how long a person lives; rather, what is important is the kind of life they live. The reputation of a person is evaluated based on their contribution to society and the country. She noted that it is amazing to think about the number of good deeds Pandit Gopabandhu Das accomplished in his short lifespan. Paying her tributes to Pandit Gopabandhu Das, the President said his contributions to social service, literature, education, and journalism are unforgettable. She mentioned that Pandit Gopabandhu Das knew very well that no society or nation can progress without proper education. The Muktakash School, also known as Van Vidyalaya, at Satyabadi in Puri district, was established by Pandit Gopabandhu Das, who emphasized the holistic development of students through Van Vidyalaya. In his view, education does not mean only bookish knowledge; rather, it should develop students physically, mentally, intellectually, and spiritually as well, the President said. In 1919, Pandit Gopabandhu Das spread the message of freedom in Odisha through the publication of the Samaj newspaper. He also raised the problems of the people through this newspaper. His editorials in the Samaj have enriched Odia literature. The President said that Pandit Gopabandhu Das believed in nationalism and democratic values. His poetry and prose convey messages of patriotism and the welfare of the world. Murmu arrived here on a four-day visit to Odisha to attend several programs in the state, including participation in the Puri Rath Yatra. On her arrival at the Biju Patnaik International Airport, she proceeded directly to Jayadev Bhawan to grace the 96th death anniversary of Pandit Gopabandhu Das, a prominent social worker, reformer, political activist, journalist, poet, and essayist. She will stay the night at Raj Bhawan, visit Puri on Sunday morning to participate in the Rath Yatra, and stay the night at Puri Raj Bhawan. The President will go for a morning walk on Puri Beach on the morning of July 8, after which she will return to Bhubaneswar to visit the Khandagiri Udayagiri caves. The President will then proceed to Bibhuti Kanungo College of Arts and Crafts, where she will interact with the students of the institute. On the afternoon of July 8, President Murmu will attend a program at the Divine Retreat Centre at Mendhasal Haridamada on the outskirts of the capital city. On July 9, the President will attend the 13th graduation ceremony of the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) at Jatni before leaving for Delhi in the afternoon...////...