SOUMYA RANJAN PATNAIK
POLITICIAN
His love for Odisha and its people together with his passionate desire to strengthen their voices, encouraged him to serve the people in diverse ways. Although a brilliant student from the London School of Economics and Oxford, he returned to Odisha to start a regional newspaper rather than acquiring a rewarding university job. His sincere feelings towards the Odia language inspired him to launch a campaign promoting it, and till now over a million prizes have been given to successful students, mostly from rural areas. He founded the largest media house in the state. The vision of a strong and prosperous Odisha led him to politics.
Soumya Ranjan Patnaik is a household name in Odisha just because his ventures are alive in the minds of people. His newspaper ‘SAMBAD’ reaches over 1.5 million readers every morning. His media house has always championed the cause of the people. Soumya Ranjan Patnaik gave out his iconic slogan in 2006: “Let not anybody die for want of blood.”, breaking the national record of the highest single day collection of blood units. On more than one occasion the Indian Red Cross Society and the Government of Odisha have awarded his organisation.
Originating from a political lineage, he has been a member of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and now a member of Odisha Legislative Assembly. Despite the obstacles
that he faced he is recognized as an efficient politician.
His work for the state fetched him prestigious accolades including the Hare Krushna Mahatab Samman (2013), and Madhubabu Samman (2018). He also is the recipient of the first Viswamitra International Award (2019) in the category, Empowering People’s Voice.
A media baron who loves Odisha passionately, an orator par excellence, a social worker, and a humble politician with unmatched values –Mr. Soumya Ranjan Patnaik is VARINDIA’s selection as a glorious stone on the Crown Jewels of Odisha.
