New Delhi: Dr. Debendra Pradhan, a distinguished leader and former Union Minister, passed away on March 17, 2025, at the age of 83 due to age-related ailments. His demise marks the end of an era for Indian politics, particularly in Odisha, where he was a towering figure of service, leadership, and vision.
Born on July 16, 1941, in Talcher, Odisha, Dr. Pradhan began his career as a medical officer after completing his MBBS from SCB Medical College, Cuttack. However, his passion for social service led him to voluntarily retire from government service in 1973 and join politics, inspired by the ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He became one of the founding members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha, playing a pivotal role in establishing the party’s presence in the state.
Dr. Pradhan served as the BJP’s Odisha state president thrice, demonstrating exceptional organizational skills and strategic vision. His efforts in grassroots mobilization, particularly during the Ram Janmabhoomi Movement, were instrumental in shaping the BJP’s trajectory in Odisha.
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He was elected to the Lok Sabha twice and served as Minister of State for Surface Transport and Agriculture in the Vajpayee government, contributing significantly to infrastructure and agricultural development.
ତାଳଚେର ଦିନଦୟାଲ ନଗରଠାରେ କେନ୍ଦ୍ର ଶିକ୍ଷାମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ @dpradhanbjp ଙ୍କ ପୂଜ୍ୟ ପିତା ସ୍ୱର୍ଗତ ଡ଼ା. ଦେବେନ୍ଦ୍ର ପ୍ରଧାନଙ୍କ ଏକାଦଶାହ ଅବସରରେ ଯୋଗ ଦେଇ ଶ୍ରଦ୍ଧାଞ୍ଜଳି ଜ୍ଞାପନ କଲି। ଏହି ଅବସରରେ ଶୋକସନ୍ତପ୍ତ ପରିବାରବର୍ଗଙ୍କ ସହ ଆଲୋଚନା କରି ସମବେଦନା ଜଣାଇଲି। pic.twitter.com/wzABg1yQpa
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) March 27, 2025
Known for his humility and dedication, Dr. Pradhan was a leader who prioritized meaningful action over fiery rhetoric. His legacy includes his contributions to poverty alleviation, social empowerment, and the growth of the BJP in Odisha. His son, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, continues to carry forward his vision of service and development.
Dr. Pradhan’s final days were spent at his son’s residence in Delhi, surrounded by family. His passing has been mourned by leaders across the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described him as a “hardworking and humble leader.” Tributes have poured in from dignitaries such as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, highlighting his impact on Indian politics and society.
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On March 28, 2025, a program will be held at Swatantrata Senani Maidan, Bhubaneswar, to honor Dr. Pradhan’s memory. The twelfth-day rituals (Dwadashah) and peace feast will provide an opportunity for admirers and well-wishers to pay their respects and celebrate his remarkable legacy.
Dr. Debendra Pradhan’s life was a testament to the power of dedication and service, and his contributions will continue to inspire generations to come.