Suparjya swain 
Feature: In the quiet, verdant landscapes of Odisha’s Deogarh district, within the tribal village of Palunipada, a story began that would eventually unfold across the global stage. Mr. Arun Kumar Sahu, India’s Ambassador to Bulgaria, embarked on a journey shaped by humility, intellectual curiosity, and a profound sense of service.
His early life was framed by the values instilled by his family. His father, Dr. Banamali Sahu, was not only a physician tending to the medical needs of underserved forest communities but also a poet, blending science with soul, compassion with creativity. His mother, Sarojini Devi, provided a moral compass grounded in truth and empathy.
His educational journey, fuelled by determination and a profound belief in learning’s power to transform destinies, saw him excel from the local schools of Palunipada and Kansar to his high school years in Sambalpur. His academic dedication, recognized and supported through scholarships, became the foundation for greater pursuits. This path led him to Ravenshaw College for a degree in Sociology and onward to Jawaharlal Nehru University for a Master’s in Linguistics, where he deepened his understanding of human connections through language and culture. Demonstrating an intellectual curiosity that knew no borders, he further expanded his horizons with a second Master’s degree in War in the Modern World from King’s College, London, enriching his perspective on global conflicts and international cooperation, ultimately preparing him for the global stage of diplomacy.
In 1996, Mr. Arun Kumar Sahu joined the Indian Foreign Service, beginning a career that would see him represent India across continents. Over the years, his postings in Beijing (twice), London, Tehran, and Canada enabled him to hone his diplomatic skills, understand diverse cultural nuances, and build bridges between nations. At the Ministry of External Affairs, he served in key positions including Additional Secretary and Head of Central Europe Division, Joint Secretary (Development Partnership Administration), Deputy Director-General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Director (North), and Under Secretary (China). He also contributed to global academic and policy exchanges, serving on the Board of the US-India Educational Foundation (2014–2016) and the Canada-India Centre for Excellence in Science, Technology, Trade and Policy at Carleton University, Ottawa (2016–2019).
His leadership qualities shone in senior assignments. As Deputy High Commissioner to Canada (2016–2019), he strengthened bilateral relations, while as India’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago (2019–2022), with concurrent accreditation to Grenada, Commonwealth Dominica, and Montserrat, he nurtured deep cultural and economic ties. These experiences culminated in his appointment as India’s Ambassador to Bulgaria on January 7, 2025—a role he has embraced with characteristic vigor and vision.
But what truly distinguishes Mr. Arun Kumar Sahu is the seamless way he integrates his diplomatic responsibilities with his artistic inclinations and his commitment to his origins. As an author writing in both Odia and English, he has produced works like Iguana and Other Poems and Jajabarara Jatra, which reflect his literary sensibility and his deep connection to Odia culture. His other publications include Trinidad and Tobago: A Diplomat’s Cultural Expedition (2022), an evocative narrative on cultural experiences. In 2024, he initiated the Dr. Banamali Sahu Memorial Essay Competition, a tribute to his father that aims to promote the Odia language among young students. Adding further to his literary contributions, his upcoming Odia book, Sarasara Shesha Swara, is set to be released on 25 September. This much-awaited work is expected to enrich modern Odia literature, reaffirming his stature as a writer who bridges diplomacy and culture with profound poetic expression.
In his current role, Mr. Arun Kumar Sahu is focused on creating meaningful collaborations between India and Bulgaria. He recognizes the potential for synergy in areas such as maritime development, robotics, mathematics, and research—fields where Bulgaria has significant expertise. At the same time, he is keenly aware of how such international partnerships can benefit Odisha. He speaks of opportunities for Odia youth to train for high-skill jobs in European markets, emphasizing the importance of tailored training programs that meet international standards. He also highlights the prospects for Odisha’s tourism sector, noting that with improved infrastructure and a focus on quality, the state can attract tourists seeking unique cultural and natural experiences.
His vision for Odisha is clear and ambitious: he sees it as one of India’s most prosperous states, not only in economic terms but also in education, healthcare, and overall quality of life. He believes this can be achieved through a combination of innovation, investment, and focus on excellence. He is particularly passionate about the role of young people in this transformation, urging them to think creatively, act boldly, and strive for international standards in their chosen fields.
His message to young Odias combines wisdom with an empowering challenge. “Dream big,” he urges, “but nobody will tell you how to realize this dream. You must find your own way.” For young women, he offers particularly powerful guidance, reminding society of their immense potential. He calls on families to fundamentally rethink their approach to raising daughters: “Allow your daughter to dream big. Give her freedom, provide her with the right education, and then let her explore the world on her own. Don’t worry if she stumbles—failure is only a stepping stone to success. Instill in her the confidence that she is in no way less than anyone else—that she has the strength and ability to achieve anything she aspires to.”
Mr. Arun Kumar Sahu’s journey embodies the transformative power of believing in one’s roots while embracing the world. From Palunipada’s quiet landscapes to Bulgaria’s diplomatic halls, his story shows how values can inform leadership, how obstacles can become opportunities, and how determined individuals can build bridges that lift entire communities. His life stands as powerful evidence that with vision, empathy, and persistent effort, no dream lies beyond reach.
