Something I Look At-394 Poem by Smrui Ranjan Mohanty

The Great Masters of Alanahat High School

PUNDIT CHAKRADHAR DAS

SOMETHING I LOOK AT-394
BY-SMRUTI RANJAN MOHANTY

Cradled in Alana, in nineteen hundred born,

Hope he carried, through times forlorn.

A son to Bhimsen, Chandramani's pride,

Knowledge and kindness walked by his side.

Rising beyond where the rich held sway,

A light of learning, he paved the way.

Dedicated to teaching, with wisdom vast,

Holding the past to enlighten the caste.

Art, Odia, and history's grace,

Refining minds, he found his place.

Determined to spark a Renaissance bright,
Hope he sowed with unwavering might.

Along with Artabandhu, he built a school.

Shattering chains of the zamindar's rule.

Alanah's beacon, a scholar so wise,

Lifting the poor to knowledge's rise.

A husband to Kuntala, devoted and true,

Nurturing minds as the great teachers do.

A path for Baikunthanath and many he made,

Holding the torch as ignorance swayed.

As Head Pundit, he shaped with care,

True son of the soil, beyond compare.
From birth to death, his vision stayed.
In Alanahat, his mark is laid.
Education's dawn in a land once grim,
Lives forever—because of him.

(Chakradhar Das, son of Bhimsen Das and Chandramani Das, was born in 1900 in the village of Alana and passed away in 1971. He was married to Kuntala Kumari and dedicated his life to education, teaching social studies, Odia, and drawing. A pioneering figure in the academic renaissance of this backward region, he played a crucial role in shaping many scholars, including the esteemed Baikuntha Nath.

At a time when education was largely the privilege of the wealthy and zamindars, Chakradhar Das worked tirelessly to make learning accessible to the local community. Alongside Artabandhu Das, he laid the foundation of Alanahat M.E. School, which later evolved into a high school—one of the most prominent Gurukuls in Odisha. As the head pundit of the institution, he was deeply committed to nurturing students, placing great emphasis on writing quality Odia with impeccable handwriting.

A true son of the soil, Chakradhar Das championed education as a powerful tool for social change, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the region.)

Smruti Ranjan Mohanty ©
India
2.3.2025
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