Interview Times 
Born in the remote tribal village of Palunipada in the Kansar Panchayat of Odisha’s Sambalpur district (now Deogarh), Shri Arun Kumar Sahu’s journey began in a family dedicated to service. His father, Dr. Banamali Sahu, was a physician-poet who devoted his life to providing healthcare to the underprivileged in forested regions, while his mother, Sarojini Devi, instilled values of truth, honesty, and compassion.
Shri Sahu received his primary and middle school education at the local village schools in Palunipada and Kansar. Despite limited means, his passion for education was unwavering, and he earned scholarships throughout his academic career. He later moved to Sambalpur for his high school education, marking the beginning of an academic journey that would eventually take him across the globe.
A Scholar with Diverse Academic Pursuits
Shri Sahu’s educational journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of hard work and dedication. He pursued Sociology (Honors) at Ravenshaw College, followed by a Master’s degree in Linguistics from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi. His academic curiosity led him to further studies, including a second Master’s degree in War in the Modern World (WiMW) from King’s College, London, where he gained valuable perspectives to complement his other academic experiences.
Joining the Indian Foreign Service
In 1996, Shri Sahu embarked on a distinguished career in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), one of the country’s most versatile and prestigious careers. Over the course of his career, he held key positions both in India and abroad, including stints in Beijing (twice), London, Tehran, and Canada.
As Deputy High Commissioner of India to Canada from 2016 to 2019, and subsequently as High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago from 2019 to 2022 (with additional accreditation to Grenada, Dominica, and Montserrat), Shri Sahu played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s global relations. Additionally, his leadership roles at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as Joint Secretary (Development Partnership Administration) and Deputy Director-General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) further enriched his diplomatic career.
Recent Appointment as Ambassador to Bulgaria
On December 18, 2024, Shri Sahu was appointed as India’s Ambassador to Bulgaria. This prestigious role marks a significant milestone in his career. As Ambassador, Shri Sahu aims to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Bulgaria, focusing on business and investment engagements while fostering collaboration in culture and education. He is also keen to leverage Bulgaria’s maritime capabilities, particularly in the development of ports along the Black Sea, and to explore potential collaborations in fields such as robotics, mathematics, abstract sciences, and research and development (R&D).
Literature and Creativity: A Lifelong Passion
Outside of his diplomatic duties, Shri Sahu is a celebrated writer in both Odia and English. His literary works include Iguana and Other Poems (2020) and Trinidad and Tobago: A Diplomat’s Cultural Expedition (2022) in English, as well as JAJABARARA JATRA (2022) and CHIRA MALATA (2017) in Odia. Inspired by his father’s literary legacy, Shri Sahu established the Dr. Banamali Sahu Memorial Essay Competition in 2024 to promote the Odia language among schoolchildren.
Dream for Odisha and Youth Empowerment
Shri Sahu envisions Odisha becoming one of the top 10–20 most prosperous states in India, not only in terms of economic growth but also in education and healthcare. He is passionate about empowering the youth of Odisha to excel in these areas, encouraging them to adopt a strong work ethic, a spirit of innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
Legacy of Service and Excellence
The life story of Arun Kumar Sahu, from his humble beginnings in Palunipada to his current role as India’s Ambassador to Bulgaria, is one of hope, inspiration, and perseverance. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of education, service, and hard work. Shri Sahu’s legacy continues to inspire, fostering the development of cross-cultural education, innovation, and CSR diplomacy that benefits India and the world.
