Subhechcha Ganguly 
At just 29 years old, Suryabanshi Suraj has emerged as one of the most promising young politicians in Odisha. His rapid ascent in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and recent appointment as a minister in the state government mark him as a figure to watch in the coming years.
Born on May 18, 1995, in Bhadrak, Odisha, Suraj hails from a family deeply rooted in politics and social service. His father, Bishnu Charan Sethi, was a respected BJP leader who served as the MLA for the Dhamnagar constituency. Suraj’s mother, Urmila Panigrahi, worked as a headmistress, instilling in him the value of education from an early age.
True to his family’s emphasis on academics, Suraj excelled in his studies. He earned a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University and later pursued an LLB from Fakir Mohan University. This combination of technical and legal education has provided him with a multifaceted perspective that serves him well in his political career.
Before entering politics full-time, Suraj gained valuable professional experience in the private sector. He worked as a software developer at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and later as a system engineer at Adani DPCL in Dhamra. This background in technology and infrastructure development has likely informed his approach to governance and policy-making.
Suraj’s entry into electoral politics came under tragic circumstances. In 2022, his father Bishnu Sethi passed away unexpectedly while serving as the MLA for Dhamnagar. The BJP chose Suraj to contest the subsequent by-election, seeing in him the potential to carry forward his father’s legacy. Despite his relative inexperience, Suraj won the election convincingly, demonstrating his ability to connect with voters and articulate a compelling vision for the constituency.
Since taking office, Suraj has worked to establish himself as a politician of a new generation. He emphasizes a grassroots approach, preferring direct engagement with constituents over grand gestures and publicity. After winning the by-election, he undertook a remarkable feat by visiting over 615 villages in his assembly segment on foot. This ground-level connection has allowed him to gain a nuanced understanding of local issues and concerns.
Suraj’s hands-on approach was further demonstrated during times of crisis in his constituency. When a major fire broke out in a village under the Sahaspur panchayat, he chose to remain with the affected people rather than observe from a distance. Similarly, during floods in Dhamnagar, Suraj waded through floodwaters with his associates to deliver relief materials and support to those in need. These actions have earned him a reputation as a leader who is willing to get his hands dirty in service of his constituents.
Drawing from his experiences and interactions with local residents, Suraj has advocated for the implementation of the Baitarani Embankment Project to protect Dhamnagar from future floods. This demonstrates his ability to translate ground-level insights into concrete policy proposals.
Suraj’s rapid rise within the BJP culminated in his appointment as Minister of State in the newly formed BJP government led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in June 2024. At 29, he became the youngest member of the cabinet, reflecting the party’s trust in his abilities and its desire to groom young leadership.
As Minister for Sports & Youth Services, Suraj has articulated an ambitious vision for Odisha’s sporting future. He aims to shift the state’s approach from a “program mode” to a “project mode,” emphasizing long-term, strategic development of sports infrastructure and talent. Suraj has set a bold goal of establishing Odisha as the “Sports Capital of the World” by the time the state celebrates its centenary.
In addition to his sports portfolio, Suraj also oversees the crucial departments of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture. In this role, he has become a vocal advocate for preserving and promoting “Odia Asmita” or Odia pride and identity.
Suraj’s stance on Odia Asmita is multifaceted and forward-looking. He views the preservation of Odia culture not as a nostalgic exercise but as a vital component of the state’s development and global recognition. Key aspects of his approach include:
- Asmita Bhawan: Suraj has proposed the construction of an “Asmita Bhawan,” a dedicated establishment to showcase and preserve Odisha’s cultural heritage. This initiative aims to create a focal point for cultural activities and research.
- Promotion of the Odia Language: He has directed that all government institutions and business establishments should have name plaques in Odia. This move seeks to increase the visibility and daily use of the Odia language in public spaces.
- Support for Artists: Suraj has emphasized the importance of providing timely assistance to artists through the Chief Minister’s Artist Support Scheme and to Padma Award winners. This demonstrates his commitment to nurturing Odisha’s artistic traditions and recognizing excellence in the field.
- Integrating Culture with Development: Rather than treating cultural preservation as separate from economic progress, Suraj views Odia Asmita as an integral part of the state’s development story. He has spoken about creating a “special place for Odisha on the world map” by 2036, envisioning a future where cultural richness and economic advancement go hand in hand.
- Grassroots Focus: Consistent with his overall political approach, Suraj’s cultural initiatives emphasize taking Odia culture to the grassroots level. This suggests a desire to make cultural programs and resources accessible to all Odias, not just urban elites.
Suraj’s emphasis on Odia Asmita reflects a broader trend in Indian politics where regional identity and cultural pride are becoming increasingly important. However, his approach balances tradition with modernity, seeking to preserve Odia culture while also adapting it to contemporary realities.
As a young leader with diverse responsibilities, Suryabanshi Suraj represents a new generation of Indian politicians. His technical background, legal education, and grassroots political experience give him a unique perspective on governance. His rapid rise within the BJP and appointment to key ministerial positions indicate that he is seen as a future leader not just within his party but for Odisha as a whole.
However, Suraj’s political journey is still in its early stages. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether he can translate his early promise into lasting political impact. His ability to navigate the complex world of state politics, deliver on his ambitious goals for sports development, and effectively promote Odia culture will be closely watched.
As Odisha and India continue to evolve, leaders like Suryabanshi Suraj will play a crucial role in shaping the future. His emphasis on combining cultural pride with modern development, if successful, could provide a model for other states grappling with similar challenges. For now, Suraj remains a politician to watch, embodying the aspirations of a new generation of Odias eager to see their state progress while retaining its unique cultural identity.
