Bhubaneswar: Considered as the architect of modern industrial revolution in Odisha, noted industrialist and founder and chairman Emeritus of Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA) Bansidhar Panda passed away at his Bhubaneswar residence on Tuesday. He was 87.
Born in 1931, Bansidhar Panda was instrumental in setting up industries that contributed to Odisha’s development in a big way. Panda is survived by his two sons Baijayant Panda, Subhrakant Panda and two daughters Paramita and Nita Ganapati.
A renowned research scientist, Bansidhar Panda had embarked upon a journey with a vision to bring industrial revolution after returning from the United States and chose Therubali, a remote outpost in the erstwhile undivided Koraput district of Odisha to give wings to his dreams and had set up IMFA in 1961.
Beyond business, he is also known for his philanthropic activities and love for literature. Much before the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Panda has been instrumental in instilling the culture of inclusive growth in IMFA.
Inspired by his vision for making a positive impact on the society, IMFA has been doing commendable work in the field of education, vocational training, basic healthcare, water and sanitation and infrastructure development. The Sarala Award for literature and Ekalabya Puruskar for sports, which were founded by IMFA under his leadership, are recognised as the highest achievements in the respective fields.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his grief over the demise of the renowned industrialist and conveyed his deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
Apart from the CM, political leaders cutting across party lines, including former Chief Minister Hemanand Biswal and OPCC chief Niranjan Patnaik expressed their condolence over Panda’s death.
“He was a path breaker. It is a great loss for Odisha as he was a ‘Bhismapitamaha’ in Odisha’s industrial revloution. His death is indeed a great loss for the State,” Kalinga Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Biswadev Das.
Das said, inspired by his vision, many industrialists had subsequently set up industries in the state.
When people were fearing to set up industries, Bansidhar Panda made a pioneering effort to establish the first ferro alloys plant in Odisha. Panda’s death is a great loss to the industry and members of Utkal Chamber of Commerce pay our deepest condolences to the bereaved family
-Ramesh Mohapatra, president, Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI)
Dr. Panda received Degrees from Benaras Hindu University, Harvard University and Michigan Technological University.
Bansidhar Panda was conferred honoris causa or honorary degrees by the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela in 2015.
Expressing condolence over Panda’s death, senior journalist Dilip Satpathy said, “Bansidhar Panda had set up IMFA and was instrumental in putting Odisha on world map as far as industrial development was concerned. The way he took risk for setting such an industry was certainly commendable as it showed way to others. His contribution in all sectors will be always remembered.”
He was a successful entrepreneur. At a time when most of the people were thinking of doing jobs, Bansidhar Panda wanted to serve Odisha through his industry. His vision is certainly an inspiration for youths in the State
-Senior journalist Rajaram Satpathy.
Condoling Panda’s death, senior Journalist Rabi Das said, “IMFA’s contribution for Odisha’s development can never be forgotten and it was only due to Bansidhar Panda’s vision. He had changed the mindset of people of Odisha that business was only meant for people of other communities.”
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, newly-elected Rajya Sabha member Achyuta Samanta and senior IAS officer Arvind Padhee also paid tributes to the great son of the soil.
Former Minister and founder of Sanchar Odia daily,Dr.Damodar Rout and Editor of Sanchar Prasanta Patnaik have also deeply mourned the death of Dr.Panda.
Prasanta Patnaik