BIO-DATA OF CHIEF MINISTERS OF ORISSA

BIO-DATA OF CHIEF MINISTERS OF ORISSA

MAHARAJA SHRI KRUSHNA CHANDRA
GAJAPATI NARAYAN DEO

Late Maharaja Shri Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo of Paralakhemundi, the son of
Late Goura Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo was born on 26th April 1892, educated in Madras assumed
rulership in 1913, an enlightened and benevolent ruler; a patron of education
and culture organised the annual session of the Utkal Union Conference at
Paralakhemundi in 1914. In 1916, he was nominated by the Government to
hold the post of Honorary Commissioner of the Land-Force of the Defence
of India, laid a light railway through his Estate connecting Naupada with
Paralakhemundi; set up a big library in his palace for research scholars, an
important member of the justice party of Madras, member of the Royal
Agricultural Commission in 1927, member of the Madras Legislative Council,
represented the case of Orissa at the Round Table Conference, London
1930-31, deposed before the joint parliamentary committee for the union of
Paralakhemundi with Orissa in 1934, Placed the printed Memorandum before
the authorities and strongly advocated for inclusion of the Oriya Portions of Paralakhemundi in Orissa
and Orissa for a separate province; formed the non-Congress Ministry in Orissa in 1937, the
Government conferred on him the title of Maharaja in 1936 in recognition of his honour and merit. In
1941 November the Maharaja was invited to form the Ministry and assumed the Chief Ministership.
Member of the Constituent Assembly of India 1947-50, life member of the Royal Society of Arts and
Royal Asiatic Society, London; Life member of Utkal University, Utkal University conferred on him
the degree of LL. D. This worthy illustrious son of Orissa passed on 25th May 1974.

SHRI BISWANATH DAS

Not only as a prominent legislator, Shri Biswanath Das, the illustrious son
of Orissa has earned name and fame, but as a member of the Constituent
Assembly had all his praise for the hard work the Drafting Committee had put
on for making the Constitution.
He was born on 8th March 1889 to late Madhusudan Das of Ganjam
district. He graduated from the Ravenshaw College and obtained a Bachelor
of Law from the Calcutta University. While pursuing his Legal avocation in
Madras, he was illegistibly drawn to the freedom struggle in response to the
Non Co-operation Movement in 1921 and joined the Indian National Congress.

In the same year, he was elected President of Chhatrapur Taluk Board in Ganjam district. Prior to
1920, he had pioneered the agitation for abolition of inermediary system of land by organising Kishan
Movement in Madras Presidency.
Elected to the Madras Council for three terms from 1920 to 1929, he resigned from the body to
activise the freedom movement and courted imprisonment several times.
His tireless efforts for amalagamation of Oriya speaking tracts through the aegis of Utkal
Conference is indeed a valued memory. After the separation of Orissa Province in 1936, he was
elected to its Assembly to become its first Prime Minister in 1937. During his premiership the three
important tenancy Legislation which his Ministry initiated were :
(a) Madras Estates Land (Orissa Amendment Act) Bill ;
(b) Orissa Tenancy (Amendment) Bill ;
(c) Money Lenders Bill
He, however, resigned the office in 1939 in obedience to the directives of the Indian National
Congress on declaration of Second World War. He had braved detention during the Quit India
Movement in 1942.
Shri Biswanath Das, who lived all along a life of austerity had numerous occasions to hold high
political offices. He was a member of the Constituent Assembly from 1947 to 1952. The contribution
of Shri Biswanath Das to the shaping of the new Constitution is no less important. His ideas and
ideals are reflected in many provisions of the Constitution. The chapter on Directive Principles of
State Policy had given place to most of his ideas on social and economic justice. He was very much
optimistic about the working of the new Constitution usually with Constituent Assembly, names like
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, N. Gopalswamy Ayyangar, Hridayanath Kunzru, K.
Santhanam, Satchidananda Sinha, K. M. Munshi, Tej Bahadur Sapru, etc. come to occupy the
memories of the students of Indian Government and politics. But there were also other members in
the Constituent Assembly whose name do not appear frequently in the memories of the scholars of
Indian Constitution, though they have rendered great services in the working of the Constitution of
free India. One such name is late Biswanath Das, the Ex-Chief Minister of Orissa. Late Biswanath
Das was the first and only Chief Minister of Orissa to be associated with the Constitution-making.
Besides being a member of the State Congress Executive Committee 1947-1952, he was the
President of Pradesh Congress Committee for a number of years. Elected to the State Assembly
1962, he resigned to accept the Governorship of Uttar Pradesh was sworn in on 16th April 1962 and
held this gubernatorial for a term of five years. He returned to State politics once again to hold the
Coalition Ministry of Utkal Congress, Swatantra and Jharakhand during the year 1971 and 1972.
He keenly persued high ideals of social service by his involved association with the servants of
the people’s society of which he became the President of on the demise of the former Prime Minister
Lal Bahadur Sastri. Besides he was one of the founder trustees of Chatrudham-Veda Bhawan, Puri
and instituted Biswanath Trust Fund to cater to the felt needs of poor students.
An embodiment of symplicity and grace, a vateran freedom fighter, an astute statesman and a
democrat he led the socio-political life of the State for more than half century. The most distinguished
illustrious son of the State passed away on 2-6-1984.



DR. HAREKRUSHNA MAHATAB

Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab was the son of Krushna Charan Das and Tohapha Debi. He was
born on 21st November 1899 at Agarpada in undivided Balasore district. After matriculation from
Bhadrak High School, he joined Ravenshaw College, Cuttack for his higher studies, which were left
incomplete as he was irresistibly drawn to the National Liberation Movement in 1921. Thereafter his
life was a saga of struggle and dedication to the cause of country’s freedom. He started weekly
Prajatantra in 1923 at Balasore. First imprisonment on charge of sedition in
the year 1922. He was the Chairman of Balasore District Board from 1924–
1928. He was the member of Bihar and Orissa Council in 1924. He joined
Salt Movement and imprisoned in 1930. He was elected as the General
Officer Commanding of Congress Sevadal for Puri Congress session in
1932 and he was arrested, when Congress was banned. He participated in
Harijan Movement in 1934 and opened his ancestral temple to Harijans for
the first time in Orissa. According to the instruction of the Father of the
Nation Mahatma Gandhi, he started Gandhi Karma Mandir at Agarpada in
Balasore district. He became the President of Utkal Pradesh Congress
Committee from 1930-1931 and again in 1937. He was nominated to
Congress Working Committee by Subhas Chandra Bose in 1938 and continued till 1946 and again
from 1946 to 1950. He was the President of State People’s Enquiry Committee in 1938 and
recommended cancellation of Sananda of Rulers and merger of Ex-State with Orissa Province. He
participated in Non-Co-operation Movement and courted imprisonment in 1941 and “Quit India
Movement” in 1942. Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab was the Chief Minister of Orissa from 1946 to 1950,
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry from 1950–52, Secretary General, Congress Party in
Parliament 1952, Governor of Bombay from 1955-56, resigned from Governorship in 1956 and again
became the Chief Minister of Orissa from 1956 to 1960. Dr. Mahatab has been rightly recognised as
the architect of modern Orissa for his pivotal role in the merger and integration of former princely
States, founding the State’s Capital at Bhubaneswar and the sanction and construction of the multipurpose
Hirakud Dam Project.
He was elected to Lok Sabha in 1962 and became Deputy President of Congress Party in
1966. He resigned from Congress Party and Ied Jana Congress Party in 1966. He was elected to
Orissa Legislative Assembly in 1967, 1971 and 1974.
He was the founder of the Prajatantra Prachar Samiti which till today publish Daily ‘Prajatantra’
and ‘Jhankar’ a monthly journal. He was Chief Editor of the publications since inception. He was the
President of Orissa Sahitya Academy and Sangit Natak Academy for a couple of terms. Permanent
member of the Utkal University Senate. He was a distinguished historian and writer in English and
Oriya. He was conferred Honorary Degree of Doctor by Andhra University, Degree of Doctor of
Literature by Utkal University and Doctor of Laws by Sagar University.
True to his multifaceted personality, Dr. Mahatab earned distinction as an accomplished writer
“History of Orissa”, “Beginning of the End”. Apart from this, he had authored several novels, plays
and poems which are acclaimed for their literary value. The compilation of his popular column “Gaon
Mazlis” published in Daily Prajatantra received the Central Sahitya Academy Award in 1983.
Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab was a political leader par excellence. The emeriti of his achievements
in one life time is extraordinary. He towered over the time and events to lead the people of the State
through years of transition during independence and thereafter. This illustrious son of this soil passed
away on 2nd January, 1987.



SHRI NABAKRISHNA CHOUDHURY

Shri Nabakrishna Choudhury born 1901 November 22nd, son of late Gokulananda Choudhury
of Kherash of Jagatsinghpur in the undivided district of Cuttack. Education up to B.A. in Ravenshaw
College, left education at the time of Non-Co-operation Movement, 1921. One of the founder members
of “BHARATI MANDIR”, an Organisation of Educated Youth for Cultural and
Political Independence, joined Sabarmati Ashram and stayed with Gandhiji
for about two years. In 1926 went to Shantiniketan for studies, married Malati
Debi in 1927, took part in Salt Satyagrah of 1930, was successful to explain
to people about non-payment of revenue to Government. A founder member
of Congress Socialist Party of India, took leading part in Peasant Movement,
Member of Orissa Legislative Assembly from 1937 to 1956. Led people of
Eastern Princely States (Gadajat) of Dhenkanal and Talcher in Independence
Movement, courted arrest in that movement and in subsequent movements
of Civil Disobedience and Quit India. Minister of Revenue, Supply and
Transport from 1946 to 1948, nationalised passengers’ transport system, President, Orissa Land
Reforms Committee, 1947, resigned from the Cabinet and worked as an Organiser of Basic Education,
Chief Minister of Orissa from 1950 to 1956, enacted Grama Panchayat Act, Zamidari Abolition Act
and Orissa Tenants Protection Act, joined Sarvodaya Movement, after resigning from Chief
Ministership, President Sarba Seba Sangha, devoted his time for economically backward class,
joined J.P’s Movement in 1974 to 1977. Expired on 24-6-1984.



SHRI BIJU PATNAIK

Biju Patnaik–Born 5th March, 1916–Son of Late Laxminarayan Patnaik–Education : B.
Sc.standard; Married : Shrimati Gyan Patnaik, two sons and one daughter ; Prior occupation : Business;
Hobbies : Aeronautics and Industry; Travel Abroad : U. K., U. S. A., U. S. S. R., Paris, Indonesia and
several other countries; Political activities : Since boyhood fond of adventurous
life; During student life set out on cycle from Cuttack to Peshawar ; joined
Indian National Airways and became its ace pilot, During “Quit India” Movement
collaborated with underground leaders; Imprisoned for thirty months ; At the
risk of his life he brought the Indonesian Premier Mr. Sultan Siharir to New
Delhi by plane at the time of Indonesian Freedom Struggle. First Indian plane
was landed by him in Kashmir in 1947, when Pakistan attacked India ; on
returning to Orissa took interest in Industries and established many; President,
U. P. C. C. one term; Member, A. I. C. C., In 1961 Mid-term election under his
leadership brought unprecedent absolute majority for Congress Party; Became
Chief Minister 1961–63 and resigned under “Kamraj” Plan; Kalinga Airways is one of his creations.
Donor of 1,000 pound prize to UNESCO as Science Award; Elected to the Orissa Legislative Assembly

1952, 1957, 1961 from Jagannathprasad, Surada (Ganjam) and Chowdwar (Cuttack) respectively;
again elected in 1971 and 1974 from Rajnagar (Cuttack); Chairman, Planning Board, Government of
Orissa from 1971 to 1972 June. Took active part and rendered valuable service to the people of
Rajnagar area in particular who suffered from the havoc caused by the cyclone in October, 1971.
Elected to Parliament in 1977 and Cabinet Minister of the Central Ministry 1977 to 1979. Elected to
Lok Sabha from Kendrapara Constituency in 1980. Again Shri Patnaik was elected to Lok Sabha
from Kendrapara Parliamentary Constituency in 1984 Lok Sabha election. He was also elected from
Bhubaneswar Assembly Constituency to Orissa Legislative Assembly in 1985 General Election. He
resigned from Kendrapara Parliamentary Constituency and became the Opposition Leader in Orissa
Legislative Assembly. Again he was elected to Orissa Legislative Assembly in 10th Orissa Legislative
Assembly Election from Bhubaneswar Assembly Constituency. In 1990 under his dynamic leadership
the Janata Dal secured more than three fourth majority of the Orissa Legislative Assembly which is
quite unprecedented. He was unanimously elected as the Leader of the Janata Dal in Orissa Legislative
Assembly and on his birth day he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Orissa on 5th March, 1990.
Again he was elected from Bhubaneswar Assembly Constituency in March, 1995 and became Leader
of Opposition. Later he contested for Lok Sabha Election held in June, 1996 from Aska and Cuttack
Constituency. He was elected from both the Constituencies. He resigned from O. L. A. and joined as
Parliament Member from Aska Lok Sabha Constituency. The age old leader passed away on 17th
April, 1997 at Escort Hospital, New Delhi.



SHRI BIREN MITRA

Born : 26th November, 1917 at Bangalisahi, Cuttack-2, District Cuttack.
Death : 25th May, 1978 (60 years 5 months 29 days)
Father : Late Bipin Behari Mitra; Married to Shrimati Iswarama Mitra; Father
of two sons and one daughter; Education : B. A., B. L. (Ravenshaw College,
Cuttack).
Political and other activities :
Interested in philanthropic activities. An outstanding student leader. While leading medical
students strike was imprisoned in the year 1939. During ‘Quit India Movement’ in the year 1942 was
imprisoned in Berhampur Jail. Played outstanding role in Peasant and Labour Movements. Opted
‘Inter-caste’ marriage. Minister, Orissa 1961–63, Chief Minister, Orissa from 1963-64. Resigned
from Chief Ministership in the year 1965. Elected to Orissa Legislative Assembly in 1952, 1957 and
1961 and 1967 from Cuttack City (Cuttack) Constituency. Expired on 25-5-1978 at S. C. B. Medical
College Hospital, Cuttack.



SHRI SADASIBA TRIPATHY

Shri Sadasiba Tripathy–Born 21st April 1910, son of late Lingaraj Tripathy, Education–
Matriculate, Married Shrimati Tilottama Tripathy; three sons.
Political and other activities–Served as Teacher 1929–1936 and was
associated with Congress. Responsible for political awakening of the people
of Adivasi infested Koraput district. Gave lead to people of Koraput district in
Freedom Movement. Imprisoned for one year during individual Satyagraha
Movement, 1941. Under detention from 1943 to 1945 during ‘Quit India
Movement’ Secretary, Orissa Bhoodan Yagan Samiti, 1958–1961 and
continues to be a member. Member, A.I.C.C. and Executive Member, P. C.
C., 1938–1955. Has been a Minister for a total period of twelve years and the main portfolio was
Revenue throughout. An expert in Revenue Administration of Orissa. Piloted Orissa Zamindary
Abolition and Land Reforms Bill. Chief Minister, Orissa from February 1965 to 1967 February. Elected
1937, 1946, 1952, 1957, 1961 and 1967 from Nowrangpur and Umarkot. Expired on 9-9-1980 at S.
C. B. Hospital, Cuttack.



SHRI RAJENDRA NARAYAN SINGH DEO

Born : 31st March 1912; Son of Late Maharaja Prithwiraj Singh Deo; At Sailashree Palace,
P.O. Balangir, Dist. Balangir; Education : Studied in Mayo College, Ajmer, St. Columbia’s College,
Hazaribagh; Undergone Administrative Training at Ranchi and Monghyr; Married Shrimati Kailash
Kumari Debi; 2 Sons; 4 Daughters, Elected March 1971 from Balangir Constituency (Balangir); Prior
occupation-ex-Ruler, Patna; Hobbies-Photography and Cinematography; Favourite Pastime :
Reading; Social Activities–Removed untouchability and allowed temple entry
to Harijans in the Patna State; Literary Activity–Contributed articles of interest
to the newspapers and periodicals; Travel Abroad–U. S.A., Canada, West
Germany, Japan, U. K., France, Italy, Switzerland and some other Asian
countries; Political Activities–After merger of the States, there was great
discontentment amongst the people of the Orissa State ; To channelise this
discontentment on healthy lines and to check the evils of one-party rule, a
new political party, Ganatantra Parishad was formed under his leadership in
1950 in order to establish and aid the real democracy in the State. This party
continued to work as the main opposition in the State Legislature during the
last three elections in Orissa and merged with the Swatantra Party after the
Parliamentary Election 1962; Elected to Parliament (Lok Sabha) 1952; Elected
to Orissa Legislative Assembly in 1957 and 1961 from Kantabanjhi Constituency and 1967 from
Balangir Constituency; President Utkal Sammelan 1956; Secretary-General, National Democratic
Party under the Presidentship of late Shayama Prasad Mukherji; Opposition Leader, Orissa Legislative
Assembly 1957 to 1959 November and from 1961 to 1967 November; Finance Minister, Congress-
Ganatantra Parishad Coalition Ministry from May 1959 to February 1961, was member of the Rules
Committee and several Select Committees in the Lok Sabha; Chairman, Public Accounts Committee,
Orissa; Member, Public Funds Development Enquiry Committee, Orissa; As a Ruler of ex-Patna
State took and implemented alround developments in the State; Established Rajendra College at
Balangir; Took active and important part in Orissa politics since 1948; President, Swatantra Party,
Orissa Unit, 1962; Member, General Council, National Executive Parliamentary Board, Swatantra
Party; Chief Minister of Orissa since 1967 March with the portfolios of Finance, Home (excluding
Jails and Reformatories and Public Relations), Planning and Co-ordination; Minister, Political &
Services (excluding River Valley Development) and Home (Public Relations and Tourism) till 9th
June, 1972. Expired on 23-2-1975.



SHRIMATI NANDINI SATAPATHY


Shrimati Nandini Satapathy : At Pithapur, District Cuttack, Born : 9th
June, 1931 ; Daughter of Padma Bhusan Shri Kalindi Charan Panigrahi ;
Education M.A. ; Married Shri Devendra Satapathy ; Two sons; Hobby;
Reading, Favourite Pastime, Social welfare; Associated with several social
and cultural organisation; Literary Activity; Author of many poems and short
stories; Hindi verson of her short stories “Janapath” published; Edited Kalana
Oriya monthly; Travel Abroad U.K., U.S.S.R., U.S.A., Paris, etc. Political
Activities; while at school took active interest and part in public affairs; led students movement and
Secretary, Girls’ Students Association 1948-49; organised relief work in distant villages affected by
floods and drought; organised Orissa Women’s Relief Committee and was its Secretary, 1958;
Organisor, Orissa Branch of Association of Social and Moral Hygiene in India; Associated with many
welfare, relief, literary and other organisations; Elected to Rajya Sabha as Congress member in April
1962 and again in April 1968; was Dy. Minister for Information and Broadcasting, 29th January
1966; was Deputy Minister attached to Prime Minister 14th February, 1969; was Minister of State
26th June 1970; As Central Council of Ministers earned a name. Led Indian Film Delegation to
Moscow November-December 1966 and October 1968 and to Taskent in May 1972, Attended 15th
General Conference of UNESCO at Paris as delegate in Indian Delegation, accompanied Prime
Minister as member of India’s delegation to Commemorative Session, United Nations in New York,
Chairman, Children’s Film Society, India for two terms; Member, Board of Director, International
Centre of Film for Children and Young People in Paris October 1968; Member, Working Committee
A.I.C.C. ; Member, Advisory Council, Youth Congress ; elected leader of Orissa Congress Legislature
Party 13th June, 1972 and was Chief Minister till 1st March, 1973; again elected leader, Congress
Legislature Party 2nd March 1974 and was Chief Minister till 1976 ; elected to Orissa Legislative
Assembly from Dhenkanal 1977 and 1980.



SHRI BINAYAK ACHARYA

Shri Binayak Acharya : Born on 30th August, 1918; Son of Late
Raghunath Acharya; Education B.A. D.Ed., married Shrimati Bhagyalata
Acharya; Three sons and three daughters; Prior Occupation-Teachership;
Hobbies-Newspaper reading; Favourite Pastime : Discussion of political
affairs and study of International situation. Political Activities-Took part in
1942 Movement, kept contact with the underground Leaders and looked
after their family members during their absence; His house was searched

by the police during ‘Quit India Movement, and his brother Shri Satyanarayan Acharaya was taken to
custody; spent about 20 years as Headmaster in several M. E. and High Schools; Prior to the
teachership served as the Graduate Assistant in several schools; During teachership, was also
interested in Political affairs; Firm believer in socialism and deeply interested in trade union activities;
A staunch supporter of Socialism and Secularism; Took keen interest for the upliftment of the backward
communities in the country; After resigning Headmastership, started active political career in 1967;
Contested election to Orissa Legislative Assembly, 1967 and 1971 from Berhampur Constituency
and got elected; was Leader of the Opposition in the Orissa Legislative Assembly from 1967 to 1972.
After the fall of the United Front Ministry joined Congress (R) and was Minister, Agriculture, Urban
Development, Labour, Employment and Housing from 14th June 1972 to March 1973 and then
Minister, Finance; became Chief Minister on 29-12-1976 and continued till 30-4-1977. Expired on
11-12-1983.



SHRI NILAMANI ROUTRAY

Shri Nilamani Routray : Born on 24th May 1920; Son of late
Chandrasekhar Routray; Education; B. A., B.L.; At/P.O. Mukundapur, P.S.
Tihidi, Dist. Balasore; Married; late Nalini Devi Routray; One son; worked as
Editor of Oriya daily ‘The Prajatantra’; Hobby & Favourite Pastime-study of
Political history and Political trend in national and international sphere.
Secretary, Oriya Samaj, Calcutta and rendered valuable service to riot-striken
industrial workers in 1946 during direct action days of Muslim League; Travel
Abroad-Switzerland, Germany, France, U. K. and USSR. Political Activities-
Dedicated force in freedom struggle and Trade Union movements; Active
student leader during college career; one of the founders of Orissa Branch of All-India Students’
Federation; Imprisoned several times for political activities; connected with students organisation;
Organiser Orissa Branch of Indian National Trade Union Congress and its General Secretary and
then President, 1948; President OPCC 1967–70; President UC and State Unit of Bharatiya Lok Dal.
Member of Orissa Legislative Assembly from 1948 to 1967, from 1971 to 1973 and from June
1977 to February 1980, Minister 1952 to 1957, Minister 1957 to 1963 and from 1965 to 1967. Deputy
Chief Minister 1963 to 1965, Minister 1971, Deputy Chief Minister 1972 and resigned from Cabinet :
February 1973; Elected to Rajya Sabha 1976, Chief Minister of Orissa from 1977 to February 1980.
Expired on 4.10.2004.



SHRI JANAKI BALLAV PATNAIK

Shri Janaki Ballav Patnaik was born at Rameswar, Puri on January 3,
1927. After receiving his early education at Khurda High School, he graduated
in Sanskrit (Honours) from the Utkal University in 1947 and received his
Master’s Degree in Political Science from the Banaras Hindu University in
1949.
On the conclusion of his University education, he took up Journalism
and joined the EASTERN TIMES (English Daily) as Sub-Editor. In 1950, he

became the Joint Editor of the EASTERN TIMES. Two years later, he became the Editor of the
paper. Simultaneously, he took-up editorship of PRAJATANTRA (Oriya Daily). He was Editor of both
the papers until 1967. He was the Editor of PAURUSHA, a monthly magazine published in Oriya, for
a long time.
Shri Janaki Ballav Patnaik was a student leader all through his college days. He was President
of the State Youth Congress in 1950. He had successfully led a tenants’ movement at Madhupur,
Cuttack District in 1953. He was a member of the Working Committee of the Pradesh Congress
Committee from 1954 to 1960. He was a member of the Standing Committee of the All-India
Newspaper Editors’ Conference from 1956 to 1960 and of the Sahitya Akademi of Orissa from 1956
to 1967. He was a fellow of the Senate of Utkal University from 1957 to 1967. He was associated with
many literary and Cultural Organisations in Orissa. He was President of the All Orissa Basic School
Teachers’ Conference.
Shri Patnaik had widely travelled and also visited the United Kingdom, West Germany, the
UAR, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, USSR, Afghanistan, France, Italy and Israel.
He is the author of Gautam Buddha-Biography. He also published a translation of Bhartruhari
Nitisatak in Oriya in verse form.
Shri Patnaik was elected to Lok Sabha in 1971.
He was Deputy Minister of Defence in Mrs. Gandhi’s Cabinet from 1973 to 1975 and then
Minister of State for Defence. He initiated many new schemes for the welfare of ex-servicemen and
brought about improvement in the cantonment administration in the country.
Shri Patnaik was elected to Lok Sabha during the Lok Sabha Election held in January, 1980
and was the Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation and Labour.
Shri Patnaik was unanimously elected as Leader of the Congress (I) Legislative Party of Orissa.
He was elected from Athagarh constituency in a bye-election, 1980 and became the Chief Minister.
For the second time he was elected from Khurda and Athagarh Assembly constituency in 1985 and
unanimously elected as leader of the Congress (I) party of Orissa and was sworn in as Chief Minister
of Orissa.
Became the leader of Congress Legislature and took over the charge of Chief Minister for the
third term on 15th March, 1995.
His hobbies are swimming and travelling.
He is the leader of opposition in the 13th Legislative Assembly.



SHRI HEMANANDA BISWAL

Son of Shri Basudev Biswal, At : Thakurpada P.O. Bhalupatna, District;
Sambalpur, Born 1st December, 1939; Married; Smt. Urmila Biswal, Daughter-
5, Son-1; Edn. I.A., Elected; March 1985 from Laikera Constituency; Pre
Occ. : Teachership 1961–1967; Hobbies; Gardening and Photography;
Favourite Pastime-Travelling and games; Spl. Int. : Reading of Political
Magazines and other weekly and fortnightly magazines.
Social Activities – Organisor of Yubak Sangh, Tribal Welfare Sangh.
Athletic Association Dramatic association and Educational Institutions, Lit.
Act. : During student career used to write poems and articles.
Political Activities–Elected as Chairman to Kirmira Panchayat Samiti in 1967 and 1971; Joined
Congress in 1972; Convenor of Youth Congress of Kirmira Block, Vice-President of Jharsuguda
Land Development Bank from 1968 to 1974; Governing Body Member of Jharsuguda L.N. College
and Kuchinda College, Member of the Orissa Assembly in 1974 and 1980 from same constituency
with congress ticket; Chairman of P.U.C. of Assembly from 1981 to 1983, President of the Sambalpur
D.C.C. (I) in 1984-85. He was Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare in J. B. Patnaik Ministry
from 12-3-1985 to 19-12-1986. Took over the charge of Chief Minister of Orissa from 7th December,
1989 to 4th March, 1990 and 6-12-1999 to 5-3-2000.


DR. GIRIDHAR GAMANG

Dr. Giridhar Gamang–Born on 8th April, 1943 in Dibrisingi village of Gunupur in Rayagada
District of Orissa, graduated from Berhampur University and was subsequently conferred Honorary
Degree of Doctor of Science by the Forest Research Institute (Deemed
University), Dehradun. He served as a Union Minister in various key ministries
from 1982 to 1996 except the years 1984 and 1990. He was Union Deputy
Minister for Supply and Rehabilitation (1982), Union Deputy Minister for
Labour (1982-83), Union Deputy Minister, Welfare (1985–88), Union Minister
of State for Tourism (1988), Union Minister of State for Communications
1988-89 and held Independent Charge of the said ministry from July to
December 1989; Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries
(Independent Charge) (1991–93), Union Minister of State for Planning and
Programme Implementation (Independent Charge) (1993–95) and Union
Minister of State for Mines (Independent Charge) (1995-96). Dr. Gamang
was elected to Lok Sabha for eight consecutive terms (5th Lok Sabha
Elections 1972 to 12th Lok Sabha Elections in 1996) from Koraput
Parliamentary Constituency without any break. His eventful political career is interspersed with
divergent activities, i.e., Member, Estimate Committee (1973–75); Executive Member, C.P.P. (I)
(1977–79); Member, Committee on the Welfare of SCs & STs (1978-79 & 1980–82); Member,
Committee on Official Language (1980–84); Member, Committee on Subordinate Legislation (1990);
Member, Library Committee (1990); Member, Consultative Committee (1990-91, Ministry of I & B);
President, Orissa P.C.C.(I) (1990–92); Chairman, Orissa Election Campaign Committee (1995);
Member, AICC (1996); Member, Committee on Communications (1996-97 & 1998-99). Besides, he
is Life Member to Indian Parliamentary Group; Member, Indian Institute of Public Administration and
Member/Advisor to various cultural orgnisations. He has visited countries like Canada, Greece, Italy,
Kenya, Mauritius, Sychelles, U. K. and U.S.A.
Dr. Gamang has an amazing interest in tribal culture, music and dances. On top of this, as a
performing musician on stage, he holds spectators spellbound with his dancing agility and musical
performances through his much–loved folk instruments Dhamp and Changu. As a gifted artiste he
evolves classical soundscape, which has a healing effect and meditative value. Besides the tribal
folk musical instruments, he has also a flair in playing on western electronic instruments. Dr. Gamang,
an amateur artist of high calibre is the Founder Director and Patron of Hidden Talent Cultural Troupe,
Koraput.
Interest in intellectual pursuit is another dimension of Dr. Gamang’s multifaceted personality.
He is not only a voracious reader but also the author of two books, Piradana Kening i.e., a collection
of Soura poems in Oriya and Constitutional Provisions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Another significant feature of his long and distinguished political career is that he has never
changed his party affiliation, a rare phenomenon in the present age of political opportunism and
careerism.

Orissa is immensely indebted to Dr. Giridhar Gamang for effecting extensive automisation of
telephone exchanges operating in the State.
Dr. Giridhar Gamang, a worthy son of the soil took over the charge of Chief Minister of Orissa
from 17th February 1999 to 6th December 1999.



SHRI NAVEEN PATNAIK

Shri Naveen Patnaik, son of late Shri Biju Patnaik and Smt. Gyan Patnaik,
was born on 16-10-1946 at Cuttack, Orissa and educated at Doon School at
Dehradun. In 1967 he graduated from Delhi University. A bachelor, Shri Naveen
Patnaik has recently written a series of non-fiction books on India which have
received wide acclaim both in India and abroad. Earlier, Shri Naveen Patnaik
was a pioneer in achieving international recognition of Indian design while
also working with handloom weavers to enlarge home markets for Indian
textiles. As a founder member of INTACH (The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage)
he has been a prime mover for the preservation of India’s cultural wealth.
Shri Naveen Patnaik’s books reflect his deep interest in Indian cultural history and tradition. A
Second Paradise dealt with Indian culture, A Desert Kingdom with Indian history and The Garden
of Life with India’s environment and traditional knowledge. All the three books were published not
just in India but also widely acclaimed in the U.S.A. and Britain.
After the death of his father, the legendary Biju Patnaik, Shri Naveen Patnaik felt compelled to
enter politics. In June 1997 he was elected Member of Parliament to the 11th Lok Sabha in a byelection
from Aska Constituency in Orissa. In the Lok Sabha he drew the nation’s attention to the
severe water shortage creating drought conditions in Aska and neighbouring constituencies and to
the Human Rights Report on starvation deaths in Western Orissa. He also toured his constituency
extensively and his close association with the people of Aska enabled him to take urgent action on
the severe water shortage by reactivating village wells, drilling new tube-wells and bringing medical
assistance on an urgent basis by mobile medical van and ambulance as well as organising village
clinics.
As a member of the 11th Lok Sabha Shri Naveen Patnaik sat on the (1) Consultative Committee
of Ministry of Steel & Mines (2) Standing Committee on Commerce and (3) Library Committee of
Parliament.
As a result of his dedication to the problems of the people Shri Naveen Patnaik earned the
reputation of being a worthy son of his father, whose name is synonymous in Orissa with development.
In December 1997 this led to the formation of a new regional political entity–the Biju Janata Dal Party
in Orissa, under the leadership of Shri Naveen Patnaik. Within 8 weeks the Biju Janata Dal swept to
victory, bringing nine of its twelve candidates as Members to the 12th Lok Sabha.
On being elected to the 12th Lok Sabha from Aska Parliamentary Constituency Shri Patnaik
held the important portfolio of Cabinet Minister of Steel & Mines. He was re-elected to the 13th Lok
Sabha and became the Union Cabinet Minister for Mines & Minerals.
In the 2000 Orissa Assembly Polls he was elected from Hinjili Constituency and was unanimously
elected the leader of the BJD-BJP alliance and on 5th March took the oath of office of the Chief
Minister, Orissa. For second time, he became the Chief Minister on 16th May 2004.