Smita Mishra 
FEATURE: A true leader is one who not only guides but also envisions a better future for society. Dr. Rabindra Narayan Behera, the visionary Member of Parliament from Jajpur, Odisha, is redefining the future of his state and beyond. With his exceptional intelligence, academic excellence, and unwavering commitment to public service, Dr. Behera is an inspiration to many.
We had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Rabindra Narayan Behera, and his brilliance, vision, and academic background left a lasting impression. Despite being from an older generation, Dr. Behera demonstrated a profound understanding of the Z generation, illustrating his ability to connect with people across all demographics.
During our conversation, Dr. Behera expressed his admiration for the CMD Roundtable and outlined several future projects aimed at fostering growth in Odisha, Jajpur, and India as a whole. His enthusiasm was palpable, especially when discussing the Make in Odisha Conclave and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which celebrated entrepreneurship and attracted substantial investments in the state.
Dr. Behera’s deep love for his constituency, Jajpur, was clear as he highlighted its rich historical heritage. He emphasized the significance of Udaygiri, home to the world’s first university, Pushpagiri University, and discussed the lasting legacy of Padma Sambhav, a revered figure in Buddhism who spent his final days in Udaygiri. His efforts to promote Padma Sambhav’s legacy are sure to attract tourists and scholars globally.
A key focus of Dr. Behera’s vision is the Make in Odisha initiative, which has already secured significant investments, creating new opportunities for the youth and contributing to the state’s economic growth. He also highlighted the importance of the blue economy, emphasizing the need for enhanced ports and shipping infrastructure to boost trade and commerce in the state.
Dr. Behera’s ambitious plans for Odisha also include promoting the state’s unexplored treasures such as Koraput, Similipal, and Bhitarkanika, which will undoubtedly establish Odisha as a major global tourism destination. His vision spans across sectors like travel and tourism, IT, pisciculture, and entrepreneurship, making Odisha a promising hub for trade, commerce, and industry.
Dr. Behera’s commitment to Jajpur’s development, along with his efforts to preserve and promote its cultural heritage, is truly remarkable. His academic credentials—holding a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Utkal University and a distinguished teaching career—reflect his dedication to education and leadership.
Looking ahead, Dr. Behera is focused on several key projects, including the Dhamara Jajpur railway project, Keonjhar steel city project, and the petrochemical project, inaugurated by Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi and CM Naveen Patnaik. These projects promise to create employment, contribute to economic growth, and position Odisha as a key player in India’s development.
Dr. Behera’s five-year development plan reflects his unwavering commitment to making Odisha a leading state in India. With his leadership, Odisha is poised to reach new heights of success and prosperity. We look forward to seeing the lasting impact of Dr. Behera’s vision on both Odisha and the nation.
