Prisita Das 
In the quiet village of Mahula Kholi near Kapilash in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district, the name Banamali Das carries a sense of trust, resilience, and hope. A seasoned social worker and community development expert, Das has spent decades shaping opportunities for marginalized tribal communities often in places where the world rarely looks. His journey toward social change began with simple observations: children walking miles for school, families with limited access to healthcare, and entire communities battling socio-economic isolation. These early experiences stirred a lifelong commitment within him, a
commitment that would eventually lead to the establishment of the Sarbadharma Samanwaya Sri Sri Mahasiddhya Nilapadma Ashram Charitable Trust in 2009.
What started as a modest initiative has grown into a powerful grassroots movement. Under his guidance, the Trust now provides free and quality education to more than 120 tribal students every year, many of whom are first-generation learners. These programs are designed not just to teach, but to uplift helping children bridge literacy gaps while building confidence and aspiration for a better future. Das’s work extends far beyond classrooms. He has introduced healthcare outreach services, social awareness campaigns, and welfare programs aimed at improving living conditions in rural pockets of Odisha. From organizing medical check-ups to facilitating nutrition and hygiene awareness, he has ensured that families receive the support they often lack due to remoteness and poverty.
His leadership is marked by strategic planning, collaboration, and an unshakeable commitment to community welfare. Over the years, he has built meaningful partnerships with local government bodies, NGOs, and social leaders, ensuring that every initiative is both sustainable and deeply rooted in community needs. Despite the challenges of limited resources, logistical constraints, and societal barriers, Banamali Das continues to move forward with patience and purpose. His work is a reminder that true change begins with empathy, and that one individual’s determination can spark transformation across generations. In the tribal heartlands of Odisha, his legacy is not measured in awards, but in lives touched and futures rebuilt.
