This is the English translation of a classic work of Utkaimani 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 foet 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.
Dr Lakshmidhar Mishra (82) is retired IAS of the 1964 batch (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 eamed him numerous awards including the prestigious Mother Teresa International Award for human rights.
'Dharmapada' is the English translation by Dr Lakshmidhar Mishra IAS (Retd) of the original Oriya work of the same title by the legendary Oriya scholar Pandit Gopabandhu Dash, composed while in prison for his participation in the Gandhian movement. He described the theme as the outpouring of a 'lonely prisoner's perturbed heart. It is, indeed, a touching tribute to the ultimate sacrifice of a young boy who saved the honour and lives of over a thousand workers employed for building the Sun-temple at Konark.
I must acknowledge with all humility that I am not a creative writer and have no pretension of making any claim to be one. The writings (mostly non-fiction relating to Indian labour, economy, education, health, nutrition, sanitation, human rights, human bondage and human development in totality) that I have to my credit over a period of the last two decades, have been in response to the stirrings of a responsive heart which has always been sensitive to human misery and suffering from my school days. The urge and inclination to wipe away tears from every human face and provide a little cheer and joy.
Dr Lakshmidhar Mishra's Dharmapada, is at once a tribute to Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Dash and an attempt at exploring the significance of the story, Dharmapada. His translation of Utkalmani's poem is at once accurate and creative. I congratulate Dr Mishra for acquainting readers who cannot read or understand Odia, with this classic.
**Contents and Sample Pages**
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