The Sriballav and Sunanda Panigrahi Foundation was founded after former Congress leader, former Minister and former trade unionist late Sriballav Panigrahi and his wife Sunanda Panigrahi recently here.
Trustees of the foundation are State Congress president Niranjan Patnaik, Priyadarshee Panigrahi (prominent NRI, management professional and elder son of Sriballav) and Rajarshi Panigrahi (senior finance professional and younger son) besides former MLA Dr Raseswari Panigrahi (also Sriballav’s younger sister). While the former three were present on the occasion, Dr Raseswari joined the launch from Sambalpur through videoconferencing.The foundation will promote values and ideals that were close to the hearts of Sriballavbabu and Sunanda Devi. Among other things, it will aim to promote probity in public life, good governance and try to empower the marginalized and deprived sections of the society particularly through education, said the tustees.
“I was associated with Sriballavbabu since 1960 as a classmate and close friend. He had tremendous interest in social service. Known for his honesty and integrity, he was a leading leader of our times.
I am happy at the launch of the foundation by his sons, family members and friends which will keep preserve their memories and help the spread of the values that they stood for all their lives. Sunanda devi was a highly qualified educationist who devoted her life to education, and I do miss both of them very dearly,” said PCC president Patnaik.
Priyadarshee Panigrahi said, “Some of the objectives of the foundation, like providing training to elected representatives on their responsibilities, providing good governance etc. are unique and shall make an impact in improving the lives of the people.
“The foundation also seeks to recognize and reward unsung heroes who are making an impact on the society, he added.