Bhubaneswar: Shri Ananga Udaya Singh Deo, a highly respected and veteran political personality in Odisha, celebrated his 80th birthday today, November 11. Born in 1945, the former member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly and Rajya Sabha MP has had a long and influential career in the state’s political landscape.
A scion of the former royal family of Patna (Bolangir), Shri Singh Deo is the son of former Odisha Chief Minister, Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo. He was educated at The Doon School and has long been associated with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) a regional political party.
Throughout his decades of public service, Shri Singh Deo has been elected multiple times to the Odisha Legislative Assembly, representing constituencies such as Bolangir and Loisingha. He has also served as a Cabinet Minister in the Odisha Government, holding important portfolios like Energy, Steel & Mines, Tourism, Works, Excise and Planning & Convergence . Later in his career, he served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from 2014 to 2018, further cementing his stature as a seasoned statesman.
Beyond the world of legislative debates and electoral politics, Shri Singh Deo is known for a notably suave and harmless demeanor, which has earned him respect across party lines. However, what truly sets him apart in the often-turbulent arena of Indian politics is his profound commitment to spiritual practice.
Shri Singh Deo is known to dedicate at least tow hours a day to meditation. He has reportedly taken his meditational practice to the next level, leading to unique and profound personal experiences.
Sources close to the Shri Singh Deo suggest that his long hours in solitude are not merely an escape from political life but a deep dive into inner consciousness. These experiences, while intensely personal and spiritual, are believed to be the source of the remarkable calm and patience he displays in his public life, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of spirituality and governance.
His 80th birthday marks a significant milestone for a figure who has been a prominent and enduring presence in Odisha politics while maintaining a rare devotion to inner life.