Biswambhar Parida

Biswambhar Parida (8 February 1921 – 25 November 1999) was an Indian Freedom fighter who was born in the Jagatsinghpur District in the Indian state of Odisha. He plunged into the Indian Independence Movement at a very early age, was a devout follower of Gandhian Freedom Movement and was imprisoned for around two years. He got himself involved in many social, literary and organizational activities among his in-mates and fellow Freedom fighters, while being at Berhampur Prison.[1]

After Independence of India, Parida devoted himself to the field of journalism in the leading regional newspapers of Odisha, such as The Samaja and The Prajantra, for more than 40 years. While working for The Prajantra, he remained a close associate of Harekrushna Mahatab, ex - Chief Minister of Odisha and ex - Governor of Maharashtra. Till his death, Parida remained one of the five permanent Trust Board Members of The Prajantra Prachar Samiti, founded by Harekrushna Mahatab. He also had close acquaintance with Biju Patnaik and Janaki Ballabh Patnaik, ex - Chief Ministers of Odisha.

He was quite active in literary circles also. His collection of short poems, Shatabdira Dyani (Oriya)-- translation in English - Voice of the Century is widely acclaimed in Oriya literary sphere.

He ascended to the top ranks of the state-level and national level freedom fighters' organisation. He remained President of All Odisha Freedom fighters' Samiti for more than 15 years and also became Vice - President of All India Freedom Fighters' Samiti.

During later stages of his life, Parida was active in several social and cultural organisations in cities of Cuttack & Bhubaneswar and district of Jagatsinghpur and was regarded as one of the most prominent social personality in the region. He died in Cuttack on 25 November 1999. He was awarded Utkal Jyoti posthumously.