About the Book

This is the English translation of a classic work of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Dash (1877-1928), a freedom fighter, staunch Gandhian, social reformer, legislator in Bihar-Odisha Legislative Assembly, poet, essayist, lyricist—all folded into one. Dharmapada narrates the deeply moving story of self-abnegation and supreme sacrifice of a twelve-year old genius craftsman. Legends say the youngster succeeded in mounting the crown stone of the world-renowned 13th century 230 feet high Konark Sun Temple when 1200 artisans of the State engaged by the King Langula Narasimha Deva to construct the temple had given up. Unfortunately, the braveheart then put an end to his own life by jumping from the temple into the ancient Chandrabhaga River below to protect the life, dignity and self-esteem of the 1200 artisans.

About the Author

Pandit Gopabandhu Dash was the President of Indian National Congress, Odisha and the Vice President of Servants of the People Society founded by Lala Lajpat Rai. He composed Dharmapada, an outstanding and intensely moving Oriya lyric while he was detained in Hazaribagh Jail (1923-25) for his participation in the civil disobedience and non-cooperation movement.

About the Translator

Dr Lakshmidhar Mishra (82) is a retired 1964-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre. From serving Odisha for 15 years in senior positions to becoming the Union Labour Secretary, to joining the ILO, ROAP Bangkok as Senior Advisor and later serving as Special Rapporteur of the NHRC for over 5 years and the National Commission on Protection of Human Rights for over a year, Dr Mishra has had a long and illustrious career. His outstanding contribution to public service has earned him numerous awards including the prestigious Mother Teresa International Award for human rights.