Politics centered around appeasement and vote-bank creation will never deliver genuine development. When the path itself is flawed, reaching the desired destination of holistic growth becomes impossible.
This was the shared consensus among eminent speakers, economists, and intellectuals on the opening day of the Rebuild Odisha Intellectual Convention, held on the occasion of the 94th birth anniversary of Pradyumna Bal, Founder Editor of Pragativadi.
Organized at the Pragativadi premises in Bhubaneswar on Friday morning, the convention focused on redefining Odisha’s growth path through sustainable, value-driven policies rather than short-term political gains.
Education Should Build Vision, Not Just Fetch Degrees: Prof. Kumar Bara Das
Delivering the keynote address, renowned economist and former Vice-Chancellor of Fakir Mohan University, Prof. Kumar Bar Das, voiced deep concern over the commercialization and erosion of core values in education.
“Knowledge and science have today been reduced to mere information bits. From PhDs to degrees, almost everything has become transactional,” Prof. Das remarked. He stressed that education’s ultimate purpose is not merely securing employment or clearing entrance exams, but fostering balanced, inclusive, and sustainable development.
Warning against following western economic models blindly, Prof. Das added: “Young minds migrating to the US for high-paying corporate roles are, in essence, modern migrant workers. True progress lies in the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi, where education, agriculture, and healthcare develop steadily. Stability—not reckless speed—is the true path to progress.”
Environmental & Social Challenges Threaten Growth
Eminent environmentalist Jayakrusna Panigrahi highlighted the global crises of climate change, rising temperatures, and skyrocketing consumer demand, which are shrinking the scope for sustainable development. Noting that Odisha accounts for 4.8% of India’s population but carries 11.28% of its poverty, he emphasized the urgent need for a clear, long-term environmental and economic vision.
Senior journalist Minati Singh highlighted the pivotal role of youth empowerment through skill-building, while veteran journalist Subhashish Mohanty urged a return to rural roots and stressed liberating the youth from substance abuse to unlock true potential. Students from Utkal University and local institutions also presented their perspectives during the session.
Prioritizing Basic Needs and Grassroots Governance
Presiding over the function, retired IAS officer Arabinda Behera remembered Pradyumna Bal as a revered leader who consistently voiced the concerns of the common man. He asserted that real progress requires meeting fundamental human needs first.
Behera outlined key priorities for Odisha’s reconstruction:
- Eradicating corruption and substance abuse
- Empowering local communities and strengthening Gram Sabhas
- Implementing the PESA Act and protecting landless communities
- Preventing student suicides and restoring autonomy to educational institutions
The convention commenced with guests offering floral tributes to late Pradyumna Bal, followed by a welcome address by Pragativadi Executive Editor Birupakshya Tripathy and a chorus performance of “Aame Banchiba Odisha Paain” by students.
Gandhian thinker Madhu Bhai coordinated the session. Closing the convention, Justice Manoranjan Mohanty, Chairman of the Jayanti Celebration Committee, felicitated student speakers, with Vibhuti Bhushan extending the vote of thanks.
