In the history of Odisha’s cultural and linguistic unification, some names echo louder than others. Yet, among the constellation of stalwarts who laid the foundation of modern Odisha, Barrister Biswanath Mishra remains an unsung hero—despite his towering contributions. A pioneer of the Oriya movement, a liberal social reformer, and the first Barrister from Odisha with credentials from England, Biswanath Babu, as he was fondly called, embodied resilience, intellect, and patriotic commitment.

From Poverty to Prestige: The Early Years

Born into a poor Brahmin family in Someswarpur, Biswanath Mishra's journey began amidst social taboos and financial hardships. His father, Kulamani Mishra, was a priest with meagre means, yet he supported his son’s dreams in defiance of prevailing conservative norms. Pursuing English education at a time when it was considered socially defiling, was an act of rebellion. Despite social boycotts and financial constraints, Biswanath completed his schooling at Puri Zilla School, earned a scholarship, and later joined Ravenshaw College for his F.A. studies.

His time at Ravenshaw marked a turning point—not just in academics but in awakening his Oriya consciousness. Deeply inspired by Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan Das, Biswanath became an active volunteer at the 1903 Utkal Sammilani Conference, marking the start of a lifelong association with the movement for a unified Odisha.

A Barrister with a Mission

Driven by the desire to serve the Oriya cause more effectively, Biswanath left for England in 1910, becoming the first qualified Barrister from Odisha. Upon his return in 1912, he began practice at the Calcutta High Court—then the legal epicentre for Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. But law was not his ultimate calling. He used his legal platform to advocate for the unification of Oriya-speaking regions scattered across Madras, Bengal, Bihar, and the Central Provinces.

Even before qualifying as a barrister, he had served as a teacher at Russelkonda (Bhanjanagar) in 1904, where he first-hand experienced the neglect and marginalisation of Oriya language and culture under the Madras Presidency. That exposure deeply influenced his belief in a linguistically united Odisha.

Championing the Oriya Cause

From Aska in Ganjam, where he began legal practice, Biswanath spearheaded the Oriya movement with leaders like Harihar Panda and Madhusudan Panigrahi. He advocated for:

·       The use of Oriya in courts

·       The establishment of scholarships for students

·       And, most importantly, the inclusion of Oriya-speaking tracts in a unified Odisha.

His activism intensified in 1912 when the Government of India rejected the inclusion of Oriya-speaking regions from Madras Presidency into the Bihar-Odisha province. Biswanath led a massive protest in Berhampur, attended by thousands—an early show of mass mobilisation in Ganjam.

Legislator and Statesman

Twice elected to the Central Legislative Assembly (in 1922 and again in 1930), Biswanath used the forum not to further personal gain but to press for Odisha’s rightful place in the Indian administrative structure. He openly criticised British policy—whether on salt tax, wasteful expenditure, or their empty promises.

In 1924, he worked closely with the Philip-Duff Commission, which concluded that Oriya-speaking people under Madras Presidency overwhelmingly favoured amalgamation with Odisha. This was a milestone that strengthened the legitimacy of Odisha’s demand.

He relentlessly questioned the government on its delay in forming a separate province despite multiple promises, including those made by the Simon Commission, which he controversially welcomed in Patna in 1928. While the rest of India boycotted the commission, Biswanath and his colleagues submitted memoranda focusing solely on Odisha’s provincial status—drawing criticism but also yielding results.

Biswanath became a major force in Major Attlee’s committee to tour and locate the Oriya speaking tracts in Madras province.

Mr. Orissa: Beyond Politics

What earned him the sobriquet “Mr Orissa” was not just his political vision, but his entire way of life. Despite a twelve-year-long social boycott by orthodox elements for his voyage to England, he bore no malice. He lived simply, remained deeply rooted in Oriya culture, and advocated progressive values—including the participation of women in public life. He was among the first to take his wife to a public conference—Utkal Union Conference of 1917 held at Idga field of Cuttack—challenging regressive norms of the day.

He declined all titles during his lifetime, even humbly resisting the conferment of “Utkal Ratna,” arguing that such honours should be awarded posthumously to avoid ego inflation.

A Legacy That Lives On

Biswanath’s tireless efforts laid the groundwork for Odisha becoming a separate province on April 1, 1936. Tragically, he did not live to witness the fruition of his dream. He passed away in a massive cardiac arrest on Sept 19^th, 1933. But even in his absence, his role as a statesman, legal luminary, and social reformer was foundational to the making of modern Odisha.

 He was not a freedom fighter in the traditional sense. He believed in constitutional methods—petition, advocacy, memoranda, and public opinion. Yet, in spirit, he was a fighter against injustice, marginalisation, and cultural suppression.

 Conclusion: Remembering a Forgotten Hero

Today, Barrister Biswanath Mishra remains largely absent from mainstream historical narratives. Yet, his life teaches us that patriotism isn't always defined by protest marches or jail sentences—it can also mean quiet, persistent work in courts, assemblies, and classrooms to uplift a community. His legacy demands remembrance—not merely as a footnote, but as a cornerstone of Odisha’s identity.

In remembering him, we honour not just a man, but an idea—of dignity, unity, and cultural pride. Let us not forget our “Mr Orissa.” For in forgetting him, we risk forgetting a part of ourselves.