Bhubaneswar: In the wake of the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the past years have been a period of collective grief for communities worldwide. We’ve said goodbye to esteemed personalities and role models who left an indelible mark on humanity. In 2023, Odisha’s political and bureaucratic spheres have lost significant figures, individuals who played crucial roles in shaping our governance. As we navigate the challenges post-pandemic, it is apt to pay tribute to these influential figures who are no longer with us. This article serves as a heartfelt remembrance of their profound contributions, hoping their legacies endure to inspire generations in and beyond Odisha.
- Sudhanshu Mohan Patnaik: Sudhanshu Mohan Patnaik, the former chief secretary of Odisha, passed away at the age of 83 at his residence in Bhubaneswar in December. A graduate of Allahabad University, Patnaik began his professional journey as a History Lecturer at SCS College in Puri. Serving as the chief secretary from March 8, 2000, to October 31, 2000, he made significant contributions to the administrative landscape. Patnaik was not only the inaugural member of the State Human Rights Commission but also held notable positions such as Chairman of Staff Selection and Agriculture Commission.
- Maheswar Mohanty: In November, Maheswar Mohanty, the former Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, ex-minister, and veteran BJD leader, passed away at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. Serving as a five-time legislator, Maheswar held ministerial positions in the Naveen Patnaik government from 2011 to 2014 and again from 2017 to 2018, overseeing portfolios such as law, revenue, panchayat raj, and planning and coordination. He served as the Speaker from May 2004 to March 2008. Despite a defeat in the 2019 elections, Maheswar remained actively involved in the BJD’s organizational matters in Puri district, showcasing his enduring commitment to public service.
- Sarat Chandra Mishra: In October, former Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Sarat Chandra Mishra passed away during treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. A 1959-batch IPS officer, Mishra held the position of Odisha DGP in 1991-92. His distinguished career included postings with the Research and Analysis Wing (R & AW), where he served in Dhaka and Washington. Following his retirement, Mishra dedicated his time to the DAV movement and writing, earning recognition with the Odisha Sahitya Akademi award for his autobiography in 2007.
- Ananta Kishore Behera: In October, Ananta Kishore Behera, Principal Accountant General (Accounts and Entitlement) for Odisha, passed away while undergoing treatment at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar. A 1998-batch Indian Audit and Accounts Service officer, Behera assumed the role of Principal Accountant General on February 11, 2022. Before this appointment, he served as the Director General of Audit, East Coast Railway, Bhubaneswar. Hailing from Cuttack, Behera contributed to foreign audit assignments, including IT and Compliance audit of the UMOJA (United Nations) in New York, Management Development program (MDP) at UCB, California, and Embassy Audit at Riyadh, Doha, and Jeddah.
- Surjya Narayan Patro: In September, Surjya Narayan Patro, a veteran leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and former Speaker of the Odisha Assembly, passed away after a prolonged illness. A seven-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), he represented Digapahandi in the current Assembly. Patro, who first won the Mohana Assembly seat in 1990, served as a minister in the governments of Biju Patnaik and Naveen Patnaik. Throughout his political career, he held significant portfolios, including Forest and Environment, Energy, Tourism, IT, Culture, Revenue, Information and Public Relations, and Food Supply and Consumer Welfare. Elected as the Assembly Speaker in 2019, he stepped down from the position in June of the following year due to health reasons.
- Sandhya Mohapatra: In August, Senior Congress leader Sandhya Mohapatra passed away at her residence in Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar. She had previously served as the former working president of the State unit of Mahila Congress and held the position of Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC).
- Anadi Charan Das: In June, former Odisha Member of Parliament Anadi Charan Das passed away in Bhubaneswar. A five-time MP, Das was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Jajpur constituency in 1971, 1980, and 1984 as a Congress candidate. Later, he joined the Janata Dal and won elections in 1989 and 1991. Known for his active involvement in the Bhoodan Movement, Das played a significant role in the development of the Jagannath temple, Biraja temple, and Baraha temple in Jajpur.
- Trilochan Kanungo: In April, veteran politician and former Member of Parliament, Trilochan Kanungo, passed away at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. Commencing his political journey as a student leader, he was elected president of the Ravenshaw College and Utkal University in the 1960s. Kanungo served as a three-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), winning elections in 1971, 1974, and 1985. In 1999, he secured victory from the Jagatsinghpur Lok Sabha seat on a BJD ticket. Renowned for his dedicated service, Kanungo gained popularity for his unwavering contributions as the Cuttack municipality chairperson in 1979-80 and 1992-95.
The departure of Sudhanshu Mohan Patnaik, Maheswar Mohanty, Sarat Chandra Mishra, Ananta Kishore Behera, Surjya Narayan Patro, Sandhya Mohapatra, Anadi Charan Das, and Trilochan Kanungo in 2023 leaves a significant void in Odisha’s political and bureaucratic spheres. Their collective impact, ranging from administrative brilliance to unwavering public service, has indelibly shaped the state’s governance. In remembering these stalwarts, we honor legacies marked by resilience and visionary leadership, guiding Odisha toward a brighter future.
