Interview Times 
FEATURE: Success is never an overnight affair—it is a journey of perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to one’s vision. Binod Dash, an industrialist, educationist, and sports administrator, epitomizes this philosophy. From a modest beginning in Odisha’s small-scale industry sector to becoming a leading name in education and business, his journey is a testament to grit and foresight.
Born into a family deeply rooted in government service, Dash was always encouraged to pursue a secure career in civil services. An alumnus of Ravenshaw University, he excelled academically and initially prepared for government examinations. However, fate had other plans. A chance meeting with an IAS officer, who was also a family friend, steered him towards entrepreneurship. Inspired by the officer’s mentorship and the government’s ‘Hazar Din Re Hazar Industry’ initiative under J.B. Pattnaik’s leadership, Dash took a leap of faith and ventured into the packaging industry in 1982. With just ₹5,000 from his father and unwavering support from Odisha State Financial Corporation (OSFC) and State Bank of India, Cuttack, he set up his first packaging unit, ‘Packing India.’ Proudly say I am a product of OSFC & SBI.
The early years were fraught with challenges, and Dash endured over a decade of struggles. The initial capital was modest, and securing market credibility proved to be an uphill task. However, his relentless determination bore fruit. He focused on quality, ensured customer satisfaction, and reinvested every small success into business growth. Today, he owns and manages two major packaging industries—Packing India and Jit Multilayer Private Limited—making them the largest manufacturers of polythene in Odisha, with a production capacity of over 100 matric tons per month. His ventures not only generate employment but also contribute significantly to Odisha’s industrial landscape. Dash acknowledges the support of Late Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, who, as the Shipping Secretary Govt. of India, played a crucial role in supporting and inaugurating his first factory.
With a firm belief in the transformative power of education, Dash extended his entrepreneurial journey to the academic sector. Recognizing the scarcity of engineering institutions in Odisha during the 1990s, he established Synergy Institute of Engineering & Technology in Dhenkanal, later expanding to Bhubaneswar with Synergy Institute of Technology. His commitment to education did not stop there; his institutions introduced diploma programs, B.Sc. nursing courses, and even a franchise of Delhi Public School (DPS) to provide quality education at different levels.
Dash credits the success of these institutions to stalwarts like Mr. K.P. Singh Deo, who generously provided all types of supports, ensuring a strong foundation for his educational endeavours. Now, with 25 years of excellence, Synergy colleges have become pillars of technical education in Odisha. Thousands of students have graduated from these institutions, many securing prestigious placements in multinational corporations and government sectors. His institutions have also played a role in bridging the skill gap, fostering research, and encouraging innovation in engineering and technology. Another significant contributor to his journey was Late Sudhanshu Bhushan Mishra, whose guidance and support played a major role in shaping Dash’s success.
An ardent sports enthusiast, Dash holds leadership roles in multiple sports associations. He has served as the Vice President of the Rowing Federation of India (RFI), Vice President of the Odisha Basketball Association (OBA), President of the Odisha Association for Rowing & Sculling (OARS), also visited Beijing, Olympics 2008 as official. and Vice President of the Odisha Badminton Association (OSBA). Additionally, he was a member of the Odisha Council of Sports, the highest sports body in the state. His commitment to social welfare is equally commendable. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Cuttack since 1987 and has been instrumental in numerous community development initiatives. He has also sponsored multiple community development projects, including sanitation drives and women empowerment programs.
Dash’s contributions extend to policymaking and industrial growth in Odisha. He served as an Independent Director of Western Coalfields (Coal India, LTD) Limited and was a Director of Odisha Small Industries Corporation (OSIC). Additionally, he was the Director of the Biju Patnaik Film and Television Institute and a member of the Ravenshaw College Governing Body. His involvement in the Odisha Policy Planning Body and the Fee Structure Committee has allowed him to influence critical decisions in education and industry.
Currently, he serves as the Hony. Secretary of the Odisha Private Engineering College Association. His tenure as Vice President of the Utkal Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ltd. (UCCI) as Hony. Secretary has facilitated several initiatives aimed at industrial and trade development in Odisha. Through his active engagement with industrial and educational policy-making bodies, Dash has influenced reforms that have made industrial licensing, ease of doing business, and vocational training more accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs and students.
Beyond his industrial and educational ventures, Dash has also ventured into filmmaking, producing telefilms and documentaries. Through DG Creation, his production house, he has contributed to Odisha’s cultural landscape, balancing his business acumen with creative pursuits. His productions often highlight Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, folk traditions, and historical narratives, helping preserve and promote them for future generations.
Having travelled to countries like Israel, UK, Fance, Germany, Singapore, China, Malaysia, Thailand, the USA, Dubai and Switzerland, Dash has absorbed global business practices and cultural influences that have shaped his leadership style. Yet, his philosophy remains deeply rooted in his own experiences. He firmly believes in gradual, step-by-step growth rather than seeking shortcuts to success. His advice to young entrepreneurs is simple but profound—take risks, execute ideas, and embrace failures as learning opportunities.
His motto, “Customer is God, Duty is God”, reflects his ethical business practices. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, self-belief, and continuous learning. For him, health and sports play an integral role in shaping not just physical endurance but also mental resilience—an aspect he feels today’s generation must embrace. Dash also advocates for a balanced life, urging young professionals to develop hobbies and interests beyond their careers.
With his unwavering commitment to education, Dash’s next big vision is to establish a medical college in Odisha. He envisions an institution that not only imparts medical education but also emphasizes research, affordability, and accessibility for underprivileged students. With Odisha seeing a growing demand for quality healthcare professionals, his initiative could be a game-changer in the sector.
As he continues to expand his contributions to various sectors, his journey stands as a beacon of inspiration for future generations. He is not just an entrepreneur or an educationist—he is a changemaker dedicated to leaving a lasting impact on society.
In Binod Dash, Odisha has found a visionary leader who seamlessly blends industry, education, sports, and social welfare, proving that true success is not just about personal growth but about uplifting an entire community.
