Source: Google
Dr. Sujit Kumar
Dr. Sujeet Kumar(When Discipline takes precedence over Power), the advisor of Special Development Council (SDC), was recently handpicked by the regional satrap and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik as one of the four candidates for the BJD‘s Rajya Sabha (RS) berths.
Kumar’s(When Discipline takes precedence over Power) nomination for the RS seat astonished political observers as the BJD supremo queered the pitch for veteran aspirants with his eccentric choice.
But such has been Patnaik’s modus operandi over the years. Despite being a political recluse, he is known for his canny interior masked putatively by his soft exterior frame. The Chief Minister is also known for springing many a political surprise.
The announcement of the candidates has left many high profile leaders within the party distraught.
But Naveen’s brand of politics is characteristically imbued with stunning proclamations. Kumar himself agreed that his nomination is startling.
“I will work for all-round development of tribal areas in the state”, said he.
Four of Odisha’s RS berths are going to fall vacant on April 2 following the completion of tenure of three incumbent BJD lawmakers and one Congress MP.
Previously, Kumar(When Discipline takes precedence over Power) has helmed SDC constituted to accelerate development in the nine tribal districts of Odisha- districts which have hitherto lagged behind other districts of Odisha in various development indicators, but extremely rich and unique in craft, cuisine, costume, color, and culture.
He has been the Founder & Mentor of LexMantra – a full-service business and legal consulting firm, providing a range of legal & business advisory solutions for domestic and overseas corporations, multinational companies, multi-lateral & government agencies, investors and individuals.
Also, Kumar(When Discipline takes precedence over Power) has founded Kalinga Kusum, a social enterprise that addresses challenges tied to education, and legal empowerment in rural communities in India.
“Though I have stepped out of an active role at Kalinga Kusum, I continue to provide the organization with leadership and direction”, says he.
He boasts of glittering academic credentials. Kumar holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School and also an MBA from Oxford University.
He has over 15 years of experience in corporate, consulting, legal and non-profit sectors.
Kumar(When Discipline takes precedence over Power) has been an ardent advocate of building bridges between law, development and social entrepreneurship.
That apart, he has served as an adviser to a number of start-up ventures, entrepreneurs, small and growing businesses, social business enterprises, non-profit organizations, impact investors and donor organizations- both Indian and foreign – on a range of business strategy, legal, regulatory and corporate governance issues in India.
He is a Life Member of Orissa High Court Bar Association, International Bar Association, The International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ICADR), Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA), Construction Industry Arbitration Council (CIAC), Oxbridge Society of India, Harvard Club of India (HCI), Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA).
