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A brief profile of the multi-faceted personality
Late Dinabandhu Sahu was first and foremost a patriot, whose actions in public sphere, in and outside Government, were directed towards social, educational and economic advancement of people at large and development of the nation. He was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi which was reflected in his humane dealing with all persons irrespective of their position or station in life. Everyone who interacted with him felt close to him. As a person, he was upright and fearless. He was a brilliant lawyer and his cross-examination skills are legendary. It is said that he declined an invitation to join the higher judiciary because he did not want to give up his wide human interactions. The untimely demise of a young daughter in an accident affected him profoundly and he gravitated towards spiritual matters after this tragic incident.
Dinabandhu Sahu
10-10-1910 to 07-10-1980
Support to Freedom Struggle
The freedom struggle in feudatory states of Orissa took the form of Prajamandala Movement. Dinabandhu Sahu had defended, at his own expense, several leaders of Prajamandala Movement. The mass protests were particularly intense against the inept, corrupt and exploitative Ruler of the then Ranapur State. Major R. L. Bezzelgate, the British Political Agent, was called in to quell the protests. On 5 January 1939, one of the protesters was shot dead by Bezzelgate and the assembled mass went after the British Officer and he was killed. Dinabandhu Sahu, then a young lawyer, defended the accused in a special court in Ranapur, facing the wrath of the Ruler, physical hardship and real danger to his life. He also offered his legal services free and defended many Freedom Fighters, irrespective of their political affiliation.
Public Service (Political)
He was elected to the Orissa Legislative Assembly from Kendrapara Constituency in 1946, 1952 and 1957. He was in the Council of Ministers of Orissa Government constituted in 1946, 1952 and 1957:
1946: Minister of Law, Health and Development
1952: Minister of Education
1957: Minister of Industries, Mining & Geology
As a Minister, Dinabandhu Sahu introduced a number of path breaking legislation and initiated many innovative schemes for industrialization and development of Orissa. He represented Orissa in Central Advisory Board of Education and National development Council. The co-operative movement was given a boost by him.
He also served as the Advocate General of Orissa from 1961 to 1967.
Other significant public service
Founder and President of Kendrapara College and Engineering School at Kendrapara
President of Akhila Bharatiya Tailika Vaishya Mahasabha for many years
District Governor of Rotary Club
Member, Orissa Study Group, National Police Commission
Member of Mandal Commission
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