Odisha

From Classes To Masses: Odisha Teachers Who Left The Blackboard For Politics

By
OB Bureau

Bhubaneswar: Albert Einstein famously remarked, “Politics is more difficult than physics.” But several teachers in Odisha have proved him wrong by leaving the chalk and duster behind to plunge into politics with ease.

On Teachers’ Day, Odisha Bytes recounts some of these educators-turned-politicians in the state.

Binayak Acharya

Fondly referred to as ‘Bino Master’, Odisha’s first Chief Minister Binayak Acharya started his professional career as an assistant teacher in a municipal school. Acharya joined the Congress in 1961 but first entered the political limelight in 1967 when he defeated his powerful Jana Sangh rival by a huge margin. He remained in power for a very short time, but left his mark for being a passionate educationist and freedom fighter.

Jayadev Jena

Jayadev Jena was a school teacher before he joined politics. Jena is a former president of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) and an ex-minister. He is an alumnus of Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla.

Sheikh Matlub Ali

A veteran Congress leader and former minister, Sheikh Matlub Ali taught Odia in private colleges. He was also a well-known writer who was popular in literary circles of Odisha and outside the state. He is also credited with steering much needed reforms during his tenure as the Higher Education Minister of Odisha.

Kalindi Charan Behera

A former minister and ex-vice president of BJD, Kalindi Charan Behera taught Odia in private colleges before joining politics. A five-time legislator, Behera had held several important portfolios in the late Biju Patnaik-led ministry as well as in Naveen Patnaik’s cabinet. A multi-faceted personality, Behera had authored several books and also took a keen interest in social, cultural and sports activities.

Kailas Acharya

A former chief spokesperson of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC), Kailas Acharya has been a professor of economics in reputed government colleges. He is an alumni of Utkal University and lives in Bhubaneswar.

Lekhasri Samantsinghar

An Odisha BJP spokesperson and party general secretary, Lekhasri Samantsinghar holds a PhD in Environmental Science. After 16 years of teaching botany at government colleges and Ravenshaw University, Lekhasri joined the saffron party. She had triggered a political furore last year for her statement that people from other parts of the country came to know about Puri being in Odisha only after BJP leader Sambit Patra contested the 2019 Lok Sabha election from the seat.

Badri Narayan Patra

A former lecturer in economics, Badri Narayan Patra was brought into politics by late Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. An ex-minister and current BJD legislator of Ghasipura Assembly constituency, Patra was elected as MLA for the first time in the Year 1990, the second time in 2000 then after the 2009, 2014 and 2019 elections.

Abani Boral

A former state secretary of CPI, Abani Boral was also teachers’ leader. Boral’s contribution to the education sector, especially his movements to ensure that the genuine rights of teachers in Odisha were fulfilled, He steadfastly struggled ahgainst various government policies and strove to improve facilities for teachers and students in the state.

OB Bureau

Recent Posts

New Artist To Play King Kansa Role During Dhanu Yatra In Odisha’s Bargarh

Bargarh: A new artist will be selected to play the mythological character King Kansa during…

November 22, 2024

Shah Rukh’s Daughter Suhana Khan Brutally Trolled For Vivo Ad [Watch]

Mumbai: Suhana Khan will be making her Bollywood debut with ‘King’ along with her superstar…

November 22, 2024

Badshah Comes Out In Support Of Diljit Dosanjh In Alcohol Controversy

New Delhi: After Diljit Dosanjh called out the double standards of Telangana government for banning…

November 22, 2024

World War 3 Has Begun, Says Ukraine’s Former Military Chief

New Delhi: Recent actions and counter-actions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict have pushed the world to the…

November 22, 2024

3 Arrested With Fake IPS Officers’ Uniforms, Identity Cards In Odisha’s Balangir

Balangir: Three persons were arrested and fake IPS officers’ uniforms along with fake identity cards…

November 22, 2024

‘I Want To Talk’: Twitterati Lauds Abhishek Bachchan, Say He Is Better Than Amitabh

Mumbai: Abhishek Bachchan’s highly-anticipated film ‘I Want To Talk’ released in theatres on Friday, and the…

November 22, 2024

Cash-For-Vote Row: BJP Leader’s Defamation Notice Against Rahul Gandhi, Kharge

New Delhi: Accused of giving cash to secure votes ahead of election day in Maharashtra,…

November 22, 2024

CM Mohan Majhi Attends ‘Odisha State Day’ Celebrations At IITF In Delhi

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the ‘Odisha State Day Celebrations’ at the 43rd…

November 22, 2024