Born: November 11, 1916

Is a dedicated, constructive Gandhian social worker, freedom fighter and Sarvodaya leader. Started working as a non-formal teacher at his own village, Kumarada. Drew inspiration from eminent Gandhian workers of Orissa. All his activities are undertaken by the Banabasi Seva Samiti founded by him.

Fearlessly attacks social evils such as the dowry system, superstitions etc.

Set up schools and vocational educational institutions for self reliance. Provided special hostels and orphanages for the children especially belonging to the Schedule Tribe and Schedule caste. Creches are run for the children below 3 years.

Established primary, secondary and non-formal education centres in several villages in Balliguda in Orissa. A Nutritious Food Project is also functioning catering to the needs of malnourished children, pregnant and nursing mothers.

A printing press for teaching children printing, an Agriculture and Kitchen Garden, Mulberry plantation, Silk production unit, Nutrition food production packet unit, a Dairy Farm, and a Carpentry Unit are among income and employment generating initiatives.

An old age home and special homes for women who are in moral danger or are victims of exploitation or suffer from family disorganization have been established as social welfare amenities.

The impact of work represents a model prescribed by the Central Government for social welfare schemes for other States.

Received Best Social Worker Award in 1995 from the Bharatiya Adimjati Sevak Sangh, New Delhi, Justice Rajkishore Das Award in 1996, Sarala Award - 2002, the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhawana Award - 2003.

Banabasi Seva Samiti,
Balliguda, P.O. Balliguda,
District Kandhmal,
Orissa - 762 103
Tel: 06846-243637
Fax: 06846-243256
E-mail: bss_big@yahoo.co.in