Sunil Jena
Editor-in-Chief, The Politics Odia
Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of the birth centenary of former Odisha Chief Minister Shri Janaki Ballabh Patnaik, heartfelt tributes poured in from across political and social spheres. Among them was a deeply personal and dignified tribute by noted industrialist, senior Congress leader, and Managing Director of M/s A.K. Das Associates Ltd., Shri AmiyaKanta Das, reflecting not just admiration, but decades of association, loyalty, and shared commitment.
Calling Shri Janaki Ballabh Patnaik a visionary leader, eminent journalist, finest litterateur, great scholar, and the real architect of modern Odisha, Shri Das’s words carried the weight of lived experience rather than ceremonial praise. His tribute reflected a relationship built on trust, ideological clarity, and unwavering dedication to public life.
Beyond Politics: A Bond of Trust and Values
Amiya Kanta Das’s association with Janaki Ballabh Patnaik went beyond political alignment. It was anchored in shared values—integrity in public life, intellectual depth, and a strong belief in democratic institutions. Patnaik’s clarity of thought and fearless journalism deeply influenced Das, shaping his own approach to leadership, both in industry and politics.
Those close to Odisha’s political history know that Janaki Babu relied not merely on positions or titles, but on people he trusted. Amiya Kanta Das was one such figure—someone whose counsel was valued, especially during critical moments.
The Lulu Mahapatra Connection: Crisis Management with Commitment
A significant part of this legacy is intertwined with late Lulu Mahapatra, a senior Congress leader and a close associate of Janaki Ballabh Patnaik. Lulu Mahapatra was regarded as one of Janaki Babu’s most trusted lieutenants—someone who handled sensitive responsibilities with discretion and courage.
AmiyaKanta Das shared a close personal and professional bond with Lulu Mahapatra. Together, they worked on several crucial assignments, particularly during periods of political uncertainty and organisational crisis. Das often played the role of a crisis manager, quietly coordinating, negotiating, and stabilising situations without seeking the limelight.
Janaki Ballabh Patnaik: AmiyaKanta Das, Lulu Mahapatra and a Legacy of Commitment
These were times when loyalty mattered more than publicity, and commitment mattered more than credit. Amiya Kanta Das’s behind-the-scenes role during such moments earned him respect within the Congress organisation and among senior leaders who valued substance over spectacle.
A Legacy of Quiet Strength
In an era increasingly dominated by noise and optics, the legacy of leaders like Janaki Ballabh Patnaik and associates like Amiya Kanta Das and Lulu Mahapatra stands apart. Their politics were rooted in ideas, institutions, and people. Their strength lay in preparation, patience, and principled action.
As Odisha remembers Janaki Ballabh Patnaik on his birth centenary, Amiya Kanta Das’s tribute serves as a reminder that history is shaped not only by those in the spotlight but also by those who stand firmly beside them through challenges, transitions, and defining moments.
It is this quiet loyalty, institutional memory, and crisis-time commitment that truly keep a political legacy alive.
