Utkal Dipika was the first Odia newspaper published by Karmaveer Gouri Shankar Ray at Cuttack on August 4, 1866. The Odia weekly newspaper played a significant role in socio-political life of contemporary Odisha during the late nineteenth century. It highlighted horrific tales of the drought and famine as well as addressed the functioning of colonial rule.
More importantly, it campaigned to bring all Odia-speaking areas together under one administration, to develop the Odia language and literature and to protect Odia interests. It truly marked the modern renaissance in the state.
The newspaper continued its journey till 1930 even after the death of Gouri Shankar Ray.
