Vanguard to Economy: CA Pradip Kumar Sahoo

FEATURE: In the vibrant state of Odisha, where the lush green landscapes of Keonjhar blend seamlessly with the industrious energy of mining towns, a name has come to embody expertise, integrity, and dedication in the world of finance & accountancy: Pradip Kumar Sahoo. A Chartered Accountant (CA) whose influence spans beyond Odisha’s borders, Sahoo’s journey from the small town of Bolani to the economic forefront of Bhubaneswar serves as an inspiring testament to the power of ambition and resilience.

 

From Bolani to Bhubaneswar: A Journey of Determination

 CA Pradip Kumar Sahoo’s story begins in Bolani, nestled within the mineral-rich district of Keonjhar of Odisha. It was here, in this quiet mining town of Steel Authority of India Ltd(SAIL) , that he first dreamed of a future where he could make a difference in Odisha’s financial landscape. Born to Late Damodar Sahoo and Smt Bimalapriya Sahoo, Pradip was raised with values of hard work and perseverance, principles that became the backbone of his career. After completing his matriculation at DAV School in Bolani, he moved on to Anandpur College. Initially drawn to science, Sahoo’s path took a turn in his 2nd year when he developed an interest in commerce & completed graduation from Anandapur College with First Division.  He got inspiration from his father’s friend, CA Sanjay Puri, a distinguished Chartered Accountant whose guidance and career served as the catalyst that set Pradip on his own CA journey.

With Puri’s mentorship as a guiding light, Sahoo pursued Chartered Accountancy through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), New Delhi & completed his articleship training at Bhubaneswar . His ambition came with its fair share of challenges, especially as a young aspirant from a small town navigating the rigors of a prestigious national course. Through persistent effort and a commitment to self-improvement, Sahoo qualified as a CA in 2005—a pivotal moment that would open doors to a promising career and shape his contributions to Odisha.

 

A Career of Leadership and Integrity

From his early career to his current position as Chairman (2023-24) of the ICAI Bhubaneswar Branch, Sahoo has embodied the values of leadership and accountability. He has held esteemed roles in private companies, media, and government, consistently proving his commitment to excellence in every sector he touches. His chairmanship at ICAI has been marked by impactful initiatives, notably the National CA Conference 2023, where he successfully hosted figures such as Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman and Sri Dharmendra Pradhan in presence of President,Vice President of ICAI and other officials. This conference was attended by nearly 1500 Chartered Accountants across the globe which was a milestone. Orchestrating this high-profile event was challenging, yet Sahoo’s unwavering dedication to his profession made it an unforgettable milestone for Bhubaneswar’s CA community.

Beyond his role in ICAI, Sahoo is currently the Chief Financial Advisor for IIG Group and also serves as an Independent Director for the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC), where he brings his financial acumen to a new arena: tourism. His passion for tourism stems from his belief in Odisha’s vast potential as a destination for cultural and natural attractions. “Odisha is a hidden gem, rich in culture and natural beauty,” he explains. “If we harness this potential, tourism can be a powerful contributor to our state’s economy.” Through his work with OTDC, he aims to make Odisha’s hidden treasures—from the scenic coastlines to cultural festivals—more accessible to the world.

 

Rooted in Community: A Commitment to Keonjhar’s Development

Although Sahoo’s career has taken him across continents, his connection to his homeland remains strong. He frequently returns to Keonjhar, driven by a desire to uplift his community and give back to the people who supported him. As a key advocate for the Kesharikund Mohatsav, the largest Makar Mela in Odisha, he sees the festival as an opportunity for economic and cultural growth. “My vision is to see this festival gain international recognition, bringing awareness to our heritage and creating a sustainable income source for local families,” he shares, showing his commitment to both cultural preservation and economic development.

 

A Vision for Odisha’s Future: Bridging Industry and Growth & Balancing between Agriculture and Industry

As an expert in finance, Sahoo understands the importance of leveraging Odisha’s abundant natural resources responsibly. “Odisha’s mining industry is the backbone of our economy,” he states. “CAs play a crucial role in ensuring ethical and effective financial management in such sectors.” His advocacy extends beyond mining; as a key figure in finance, Sahoo sees potential in expanding other sectors, like tourism, to create a diverse economic foundation that benefits the entire state.

Sahoo also advocates on balancing between agriculture & industrialisation for a better tomorrow with steady growth of economy. We need to give more focus on agriculture as this is vital necessity of human beings. Our state must be self sufficient on basic food items with a long term vision. Our aim should be to give direct & indirect employments with less damage to the environment. Government should focus on giving minimum basic needs like food, shelter, safe drinking water, education to the tribal people who are affected in mining areas & improve their life style.

Sahoo is also deeply invested in promoting CA as a career path for Odisha’s youth. In collaboration with ICAI, he has organized seminars, workshops, and awareness programs in schools and colleges to encourage students to explore CA. “The profession demands dedication and integrity, but it offers a fulfilling career path where merit is the only qualifier,” he explains. Proud of ICAI’s inclusive policies, he notes the growing number of female students entering the field, a trend he hopes will inspire future generations.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Sahoo is also a panellist on various TV channels, sharing insights on topics like economy, taxation, and financial issues. His multifaceted career even includes small acting roles in Odia films, showcasing his enthusiasm for his culture. Previously, Sahoo headed the Internal Audit Department of the OTV Group, where his expertise was instrumental in maintaining transparency and accountability within the organization. Also he was associated with important portfolios in different companies such as Vedanta, JSPL, GMR group etc

 

A Message to Aspiring CAs

For those embarking on their CA journey, Sahoo offers simple yet powerful advice: “Be honest, work hard, and commit yourself to continuous learning.” In his view, success in CA comes from unwavering dedication, ethical conduct, and a willingness to embrace challenges. Quoting A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, he reminds students, “CAs are crucial in nation-building. We have a responsibility to uphold integrity in every facet of our work.”

Today, as the senior partner at his own firm, M/s Pradip Sahoo and Associates, Sahoo continues to leave an indelible mark on Odisha’s financial landscape. His career reflects a profound commitment not only to professional excellence but also to community service and the sustainable growth of his beloved Odisha. For Sahoo, every achievement is a step toward his vision of a prosperous, inclusive Odisha, where industries thrive and communities grow hand-in-hand.

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