Shri Biswanath Das

Shri Biswanath Das a prominent congressperson of Ganjam district born on 8^th March of 1889. Graduated from Ravenshaw College, he acquired Bachelor degree in Law from Calcutta University. He is a freedom fighter, great philosopher and a democrat who spent his life for the socio-political expansion of Odisha for more than fifty years. He instituted Biswanath Trust Fund to care the poor students and also one of the founders of Chaturdham-Veda Bhawan at Puri.

Biography of Shri Biswanath Das, year wise:

• 1921: Participated in Non Co-operation Movement and joined Indian National Congress; and also elected President of Chatrapur Taluk Board. Organized Kishan Movement in Madras Presidency;
• 1920-1929: Elected to Madras Council for three times; however at last resigned to activate the freedom movement;
• 19-07-1937 to 06-11-1939: Became Prime Minister after formation of Modern Orissa; and started three important tenancies legislation, which are:
• Madras Estates Land (Orissa Amendment Act) Bill;
• Orissa Tenancy (Amendment) Bill;
• Money Lenders Bill
• 1939: Resigned from the ministry due to declaration of Second World War on obeying the orders of the Indian National Congress;
• 1942: Participated in Quit India Movement and jailed;
• 1947-1952: Became a Member of the Constituent Assembly, member of the State Congress Executive Committee and President of Pradesh Congress Committee also;
• 1962: Elected to State Assembly
• 1962, 16^th April: Resigned to accept the Governorship of Uttar Pradesh;
• 1971, 72: Became the Coalition Ministry of Utkal Congress, Swatantra and Jharkhand;
• 1984 2^nd June: Shri Biswanath Das breathed last.

Shri Biswanath Das is the only Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Odisha whose thoughts and ideas were implemented in building the Constituency of India along with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other prominent persons. The Chapter on Directive Principles of State Policy had implemented after his ideas on social and economic justice.