Gopabandhu Dash’s Dharmapada by Pandit Gopabandhu Dash/Translator: Dr Lakshmidhar Mishra

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.