Debendra Pradhan - An architect of modern Odisha

Dr. Debendra Pradhan - An Architect of Modern Odisha

By Akshaya Kumar Sahoo

Bhubaneswar:  There is a saying in Odia Bhagabata ‘Prani ra bhala manda baani, marana kale taha jani.” It translates into English that a man’s evaluation is well done when he passes away. All his good work, contributions and any other deeds are discussed by the family who know him.

When leaders across party lines as well as dignitaries from across other fields paid tribute to Dr Debendra Pradhan, a veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Union minister on the evening March 22, 2025 in Bhubaneswar, everybody spoke highly about him. They spoke about their association with him and his contribution in shaping their career. All of them also made articulate deliberations on his effort to improve the road infrastructure in in the state during his stint as Union minister of state for surface transport.

Dr Pradhan, also held the agriculture portfolio. His stint in this ministry also saw all the districts of Odisha getting Krush Vigyan Kendras. Besides, he took many initiatives to encourage Odisha youths to make a plunge into modern farming and become agri-entrepreneurs. His efforts saw many  youngsters successfully making a mark in agri-entrepreneurship and generating employment opportunities.

Born on July 16, 1941, in the undivided Dhenkanal district of Odisha, Dr Pradhan was a scholar student. After completing his medical education from SCB Medical College and Hospital, Bhubaneswar, and having a brief stint in government service as a successful doctor, he chose to devote all his time for social service. Subsequently, he joined the BJP and served at the party’ state units for three terms, apart from holding different other positions at different points of time.

Known for his simple and amiable behavior, Dr Pradhan used to connect with everyone in his very first interactions. Many of the successful leaders, including some who are in the Biju Janata Dal and Congress, admitted that the Doctor Sahib had a great role in shaping them in their initial career. He attracted men, women, students, workers, farmers; literates and illiterates to the BJP fold that emerged as potential force in Odisha in the later 1990s.

Dr Pradhan’s close association with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former Deputy PM L.K. Advani was well-known.  Through their active support and encouragement, he along with other leaders like Debendra Mohapatra and Debendra Dash built the party’s Odisha unit brick by brick.

Dr. Pradhan served as the Union minister of surface transport and agriculture in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government. He was elected to the 12th and 13th Lok Sabha from the Deogarh constituency and was also an active member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

A doctor by training, Dr Pradhan completed his MBBS from SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. His contributions to Odisha’s infrastructure were significant — it was during his tenure that several state roads were upgraded to national highways, improving connectivity and fostering economic growth.

Dr. Pradhan may have departed this mundane world. But the great work he has done, the transformation he has brought and the level of service he has rendered for the common people will always reverberate in every Odia’s heart and continue to guide us all through.