Nabarangpur In the vastness of the word ‘mother,’ there are individuals who cannot establish their identity in the country, community, or region. For such a person, no seat, even if it is a throne, will remain merely a matter of circumstance. The individual does not hold the right to sit on a throne, and the throne remains a mere dream for them. Political opportunism has either ruined some individuals or made them dreamers. However, those who are bound by the deeds and power of a mantra are the true representatives of such noble words. Among them, Dr. Sadashiv Tripathi stands out.
Dr. Sadashiv Tripathi was the son of Ramnath Tripathi and Radhamani. He was born into a respected family in Nabarangpur. He was adopted as a foster child by Nalai Lingaraj Tripathi. His family had a reputation for landlords, and he belonged to the prominent family of Charikhanda village. It is little known that a person from this background would later become a prominent figure in the state’s politics, dismantling the zamindari system and enacting land reforms such as the abolition of zamindari and the introduction of land laws.
After completing his school education, Sadashiv Tripathi pursued teacher training in Brahmapur. He was deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s arrival and the patriotism that arose among the youth. After completing his teacher training, he taught at Jaypur High School. During this time, he actively spoke against colonialism and advocated for Indian independence, particularly in the tribal areas of the region, captivating the masses with his clear and fearless speeches.
In Jaypur, while still studying, his classmates insulted him, which he endured with patience, later sharing these experiences with his teacher, Ramdas. The lesson from his teacher, which deeply impacted him, became the foundation of his later life. As a result, he later emerged as a leader of the independence movement, inspiring people not only in the region but across the state.
Sadashiv Tripathi was also actively involved in Congress, but later, he left the party when it split and joined the Indian National Congress (I). Despite his departure, he remained an integral part of the political landscape, leading the struggle against the British. He was a member of the state legislative assembly and served as the Chief Minister of Odisha from 1965 to 1967. During his tenure, he played a vital role in the development of Brahmapur and Sambalpur Universities and the establishment of important infrastructures, such as the Jagannath Temple’s electrical connection and the Brahmapur Railway Station.
He participated in the Indian freedom struggle, enduring imprisonment in 1940 and later leading a Satyagraha in 1941. He was a key figure in the Quit India Movement of 1942 and was arrested by the British again. He remained steadfast in his resistance, even meeting his fellow freedom fighter, Lakshman Nayak, in jail before his execution in 1943.
Dr. Sadashiv Tripathi’s life and work left a lasting impression on the region. Even after his death, his contributions to the society, politics, and the freedom struggle remain a source of immense respect and admiration. His centenary was celebrated, and his legacy continues to inspire people today. He was born on April 21, 1910, and passed away on September 9, 1980.