Bhubaneswar,May 22: 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.
\nBorn in 1931, Bansidhar Panda was instrumental in setting up industries that contributed to Odisha\u2019s development in a big way. Panda is survived by his two sons Baijayant Panda, Subhrakant Panda and two daughters Paramita and Nita Ganapati.
\nA 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.
\nBeyond 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.
\nInspired 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.
\nChief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his grief over the demise of the renowned industrialist and conveyed his deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
\nApart 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\u2019s death.
\n\u201cHe was a path breaker. It is a great loss for Odisha as he was a \u2018Bhismapitamaha\u2019 in Odisha\u2019s industrial revloution. His death is indeed a great loss for the State,\u201d Kalinga Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Biswadev Das.
\nDas said, inspired by his vision, many industrialists had subsequently set up industries in the state.
\nDr. Panda received Degrees from Benaras Hindu University, Harvard University and Michigan Technological University.
\nBansidhar Panda was conferred honoris causa or honorary degrees by the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela in 2015.
\nExpressing condolence over Panda\u2019s death, senior journalist Dilip Satpathy said, \u201cBansidhar 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.\u201d
\nCondoling Panda\u2019s death, senior Journalist Rabi Das said, \u201cIMFA\u2019s contribution for Odisha\u2019s development can never be forgotten and it was only due to Bansidhar Panda\u2019s vision. He had changed the mindset of people of Odisha that business was only meant for people of other communities.\u201d
\nUnion 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.
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