Shri Prasanna Pattnaik
1 June 1948 — 30 May 2025 · A True Son of the Soil
Social Worker | Legislator | First BJP MLA of Odisha | Founder of Schools & Colleges in Odisha
Early Life
Prasanna Pattnaik was born on 1 June 1948 in the village of Bhuban, in Dhenkanal District of Odisha. Son of Narayana Pattnaik, his passion for public service ignited during his student years when he joined the historic student movement of 1964 in Odisha. He went on to join the Swatantra Party under Chief Minister R.N. Singhdeo, serving as President of the Yuva Swatantra Party for Dhenkanal District.
A Life in Public Service
Born in Bhuban
Prasanna Pattnaik was born on 1 June 1948 in the village of Bhuban, Dhenkanal District, Odisha. Son of Narayana Pattnaik.
Student leader
Began political career in Odisha's historic student movement of 1964. Joined the Swatantra Party under Chief Minister R.N. Singhdeo, serving as President of the Yuva Swatantra Party for Dhenkanal District.
JP Movement
Joined the JP Movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan. Detained under MISA for 18 months in Dhenkanal and Palahara Jail.
Youngest MLA in Odisha
Elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from Kamakhyanagar on a Janata Party ticket at age 28, becoming the youngest MLA in Odisha's history; a record that still stands.
BJP national executive
Became National Executive Member of the newly formed BJP under Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Appointed General Secretary of the BJP Odisha Unit.
First BJP MLA of Odisha
Won from Kamakhyanagar on a BJP ticket, becoming the first BJP MLA of Odisha; the only BJP representative in the entire state assembly. Recognized by the Speaker as Leader of the BJP and the Opposition.
Third election victory
Elected for the third time from Kamakhyanagar on a Janata Dal ticket under Biju Patnaik's leadership.
Education pioneer
Dedicated himself to social work and development. Founded multiple schools and colleges in Bhuban and Kamakhyanagar, transforming the education landscape of Dhenkanal district.
Return to active politics
Re-joined the BJP with wife Nalini Prabha Pattnaik, helping the party gain 8.18% more votes in Kamakhyanagar.
A legacy remembered
Passed away on 30 May 2025 in Bhubaneswar at age 76, leaving behind a legacy of schools, colleges, healthcare centres, a blood bank, and bridges that transformed Odisha.
Legacy Beyond Politics
Education pioneer
Founded multiple schools and colleges in Bhuban and Kamakhyanagar including vocational training centers, e-libraries, and high schools that continue to serve thousands of students.
Healthcare founder
Founded healthcare centres and a blood bank in Bhuban, ensuring rural communities had access to medical care and life-saving blood supplies.
Bridge builder
Built the Brahmani Setu bridge and other critical infrastructure, connecting communities across Dhenkanal district and transforming rural life.
“He was not merely a politician; he was a builder of institutions, a champion of the forgotten, and a leader who believed that true public service means transforming lives at the grassroots.”
His Work
A lifetime of building institutions, founding healthcare centres, empowering farmers, and transforming rural communities across Odisha.
Education was the cornerstone of Shri Prasanna Pattnaik's vision. He founded and strengthened schools and colleges across Bhuban and Kamakhyanagar, ensuring thousands of students from rural and underserved backgrounds had access to quality education.
Schools and colleges
Founded multiple schools across Bhuban and Kamakhyanagar, providing quality education to rural students.
E-libraries and digital learning
Established modern e-library facilities to give students access to digital resources.
Vocational training
Built vocational training blocks providing practical skills training to prepare youth for employment.
The Trust That Carries His Name
The Shri Prasanna Pattnaik Memorial Trust was established in 2025 by his family to perpetuate his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, community development, and infrastructure in Odisha. The trust works in the same villages and communities that Shri Pattnaik served for over five decades.
Learn About the Trust