suparjya swain 
FEATURE: Leadership isn’t just about holding a position—it’s about creating impact, breaking barriers, and inspiring change. Rising from a humble background in Jajpur district to becoming Bhubaneswar’s first woman mayor, Sulochana Das has shattered stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of women leaders. She is not just making history but reshaping it, bringing governance closer to the people and ensuring that development reaches every corner of the city.
Born on May 20, 1966, in Nachhipur village under Binjharpur block in Jajpur district, Odisha, Sulochana Das grew up in a household that valued education and integrity. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of perseverance and social responsibility—values that continue to shape her political career.
Das pursued higher education with remarkable dedication. She holds postgraduate degrees in Economics and Development Journalism and Electronic Communication, along with an LLB from Utkal University. This strong academic foundation enabled her to develop a keen understanding of socio-economic issues and public policy.
Before stepping into politics, Das made a significant mark in journalism, working as a television journalist for over 15 years. She was known for her incisive reporting and commitment to truth, covering critical social issues that often went unnoticed. Her career also included making documentary films that highlighted pressing concerns such as poverty, gender inequality, and urban challenges.
Through her work, she amplified the voices of marginalized communities and became deeply aware of the need for systemic change. This realization eventually led her to transition from journalism to politics, where she believed she could make a more direct impact.
Das began her political career in 2013 when she joined the Indian National Congress. Recognizing her dedication and leadership abilities, the party appointed her as the General Secretary of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee. During her tenure, she played a crucial role in shaping the party’s policies and engaging with the public.
However, as her vision for Odisha’s development evolved, she found a more fitting platform in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the state’s ruling party known for its strong regional governance and pro-people policies. In 2017, she officially joined the BJD and was appointed as the party’s spokesperson. Her ability to articulate regional issues and effectively communicate with the masses strengthened the party’s outreach and solidified her reputation as a formidable leader.
Recognizing her commitment to social causes, the Odisha government appointed Das as the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities in 2019. In this role, she spearheaded initiatives to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Under her leadership, several progressive policies were implemented to improve accessibility, education, and employment prospects for differently-abled individuals in the state.
This experience reinforced her belief that leadership must be driven by empathy and inclusivity—values that she carried into her mayoral tenure.
March 2022 marked a significant milestone in Odisha’s political landscape when the state government reserved the mayoral position in Bhubaneswar for a female candidate for the first time. Recognizing her capabilities, the BJD nominated Das for the post.
On March 24, 2022, Bhubaneswar witnessed a defining moment as Sulochana Das secured a decisive victory in the mayoral election, defeating her nearest rival by a significant margin. Her win was not just a personal achievement—it symbolized the growing role of women in governance and the progressive shift in Odisha’s political narrative.
Upon assuming office, Das expressed her gratitude to the people of Bhubaneswar and vowed to work tirelessly to transform the city into a ‘smart and vibrant’ metropolis. Her election reflected the trust that citizens placed in her vision for a better future.
As Bhubaneswar’s Mayor, Das has laid out an ambitious roadmap for the city’s development. Her administration has prioritized addressing urban challenges such as waterlogging, sanitation, and infrastructure enhancement. Understanding the need for efficient governance, she has focused on strengthening public health systems, improving waste management, and ensuring the effective implementation of government schemes.
One of her key initiatives has been enhancing the city’s grievance redressal mechanisms. She has played an instrumental role in making municipal services more accessible and transparent, ensuring that citizens’ concerns are heard and addressed in a timely manner.
Additionally, Das is committed to transforming slum areas into model colonies by introducing better housing, sanitation, and livelihood opportunities. Her vision aligns with the broader goal of sustainable urban development, making Bhubaneswar a more inclusive and livable city.
Under her leadership, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has also strengthened its digital initiatives to improve urban management. Smart city projects, digital grievance platforms, and tech-driven waste management solutions are some of the notable initiatives that reflect her modern governance approach.
Sulochana Das’s journey from a small village to the corridors of power is an inspiring narrative of perseverance and purpose-driven leadership. She has broken barriers, challenged conventions, and paved the way for more women to take on influential roles in governance.
Her story serves as a beacon of inspiration, proving that with determination, education, and a commitment to service, one can rise above challenges and create meaningful change. As she continues her tenure as Bhubaneswar’s mayor, her focus remains steadfast on fostering an inclusive, modern, and people-centric city.
Her leadership embodies the spirit of transformation, demonstrating that real progress is achieved when governance is driven by empathy, inclusivity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
