Bhubaneswar: Subas Pani, the former Chief Secretary of Odisha, a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, and a respected author, passed away on Monday. He was a veteran bureaucrat known for his decisive leadership and his deep contributions to the state’s cultural landscape.
An IAS officer of the 1972 batch, Shri Pani held several high-profile positions at both the state and central levels. In addition to serving as Chief Secretary of Odisha, he was Secretary Textiles in Government of India, a role that underscored his significant influence and administrative expertise.
He was a renowned expert across multiple fields, including Systems, IT, Industry, and Infrastructure, he leaves behind a multifaceted legacy that spans governance, technology, and culture.
Shri Pani was widely regarded for his ability to take on-the-spot decisions on even the most critical issues. This quality was notably exemplified during the initial stages of the proposed POSCO mega steel complex in Odisha.
Recognizing the project’s importance, he is credited with making a quick decision to identify and earmark a patch of land in Jagatsinghpur district for the plant after an aerial survey near Paradip Port.
However, despite his decisive efforts, the project could not be established due to prolonged public resistance and agitation, and the company eventually withdrew from the state.
This decisive leadership was evident in his numerous roles, which included serving as Chief Secretary of Odisha and holding key positions in the central government. One of his notable achievements was setting up the Bhubaneswar Software Technology Park, a strategic initiative that significantly contributed to the growth of the IT industry in the state.
His administrative expertise was further showcased during his tenure as Deputy Election Commissioner and his successful management of several national and state assembly elections, including three national elections in 1996, 1998, and 1999.
Beyond his administrative career, Shri Pani was a celebrated cultural figure. He held a Ph.D. on Jayadeva’s Geeta Govinda and was a prolific author and translator.
He was a familiar voice on Doordarshan for over two decades, where he served as a commentator for the national telecast of the Puri Rath Jatra, sharing his extensive knowledge of Odisha’s rich heritage. His publications, including ‘Orissa: Her Monuments and Their Tales,’ further cemented his legacy as a scholar and a guardian of Odia culture. Shri Pani, an ardent devotee of Lord Jagannath was an author on Shree Jagannath Culture and Traditions.
He is survived by his wife and two daughters. The passing of Shri Pani has drawn condolences from across the political and cultural spectrum, with many remembering him as a civil servant whose impact transcended the boundaries of governance.