Parida was undergoing treatment since many days after he was diagnosed with cancer.
He was a well known politician, columnist and a social activist. Parida had been fighting to bring the Odisha Official Language Act, 1954.
The senior leader was elected to Rajya Sabha in July 2010 and his term ended on July 1, 2016.
Expressing profound sorrow over the demise of Parida, CPM leader Janardana Pati said, "He was an initiator of the Bhasa Adolana and played a crucial role in implementation of the Odisha Official Language Act, 1954. I condole his death and my deepest sympathy goes out to the bereaved family."
"Parida played a pivotal role in raising issues of criminalisation of politics and black money. May his soul rest in peace," said Rabi Behera, Samajwadi party leader.
"Parida's death is an irreparable loss for the State. He will be remembered for his contribution towards the interest of the State and Odia language," said Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, senior BJP leader.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed grief over the death of Parida.
Sad to hear the passing away of former Rajya Sabha MP Baishnab Charan Parida. My deep condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace.
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) November 22, 2018
OPCC chief Niranjan Patnaik, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and former MP Baijayant Panda also took to the Twitter to condole the demise of Parida.
Deeply saddened to hear about the unfortunate demise of former MP, social activist and writer Shri Baishnab Charan Parida. I pray to Lord Jagannath to give his family and loved ones the strength to endure this moment of grave grief.
— Niranjan Patnaik (@NPatnaikOdisha) November 22, 2018
ପୂର୍ବତନ ସାଂସଦ ବୈଷ୍ଣବ ପରିଡାଙ୍କ ବିୟୋଗରେ ମୁଁ ମର୍ମାହତ। ଜଣେ ରାଜନେତା, ସାମାଜିକ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକର୍ତା ଓ ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଭାଷା ସୁରକ୍ଷା ପାଇଁ ତାଙ୍କ ଅବଦାନ ଅତୁଳନୀୟ । ତାଙ୍କ ଅମର ଆତ୍ମାର ସଦଗତି କାମନା କରିବା ସହ ପରିବାର ବର୍ଗଙ୍କୁ ସମବେଦନା ଜଣାଉଛି ।
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) November 22, 2018
ପୂର୍ବତନ ରାଜ୍ୟସଭା ସାଂସଦ #BaishnabParida ଜଣେ ଦକ୍ଷ ରାଜନେତା ସାଙ୍ଗକୁ ସାହିତ୍ୟିକ ଓ ସାମାଜିକ କର୍ମୀ ମଧ୍ୟ ଥିଲେ। ଭାଷା ଆନ୍ଦୋଳନ ଏବଂ ଓଡ଼ିଆକୁ ସରକାରୀ ଭାଷା ମାନ୍ୟତା ଦେବା ଲାଗି ତାଙ୍କ ଅବଦାନ ଉଲ୍ଲେଖନୀୟ। ଅମର ଆତ୍ମାର ସଦଗତି ପାଇଁ ପ୍ରାର୍ଥନା ଏବଂ ଶୋକସନ୍ତପ୍ତ ପରିବାରକୁ ସମବେଦନା ଜଣାଉଛୁ।ଓଁ ଶାନ୍ତି? @PandaJay #Odisha pic.twitter.com/s8U04hZA6h
— Baijayant Panda Odia (@Panda_Odia) November 22, 2018
Parida was born in Jajpur in 1941. He was a member of the Communist Party of India (CPI) from 1960 to 1992. Later he quit CPI due to some differences on application of Marxist ideology in Indian reality.
In 1993, he joined Indian National Congress. Until 1998 he was in Congress but due to his differences with the then State party leadership he quit the party and joined Samajwadi Party in 1999 as its State President. He was in Samajwadi party until he resigned in 2008. In 2008 he joined the BJD.
Anything worth saying today is going to become controversial, so how shall we define 'Controversial'! These days we don't know what people are going to get upset about. We can't live with that kind of a fear. For me, 'Manto' is a very personal and intimate story of a writer. He is a man of free spirit, he fought for freedom of expression and I think this story is very relevant today. Out of all these, what is controversial?
"Dhaad' was a actually a Gujarati film in which I acted in 2003. We got into a big financial problem and were unable to finish the film. It's a pity that independent cinema has always struggled. The place for independent cinema is still very small. Through the ages many independent films have been made and I doubt if people can make those films today.
JD Centre of Art is something that my father started to bring together folk, traditional, contemporary and tribal art under one roof. To create an awareness and to sensitize people about art and artists, 12 years ago this film festival was started. There are films from Odisha, films from different parts of the country as well as international films. There is a good line up of films at the festival.
There are many Odia filmmakers and I meet some of them in Mumbai. I ask them, why are you doing sound work or editing or cinematography in Mumbai, why not in Odisha? They reply, Aagyan sethi kehi kichhi karunahanti (No one does anything in Odisha). Nothing is happening here so as creative people you need to satisfy your stimulus. If we as audiences truly support that kind of cinemas I am sure people will come up and I think things are changing.
I feel very strongly about many issues. I don't want to call these issues as these are things which impact me, my family and people around me. Stories of sexual assaults by Harvey Weinstein that came out in the US had a ripple effect around the globe and so many women started speaking up. So many amazing articles have also come out and I am glad about it. It is sad that in India not so many people have spoken out. Lot of people have reached out to me. I was never directly assaulted as I never wanted to be an actress. I came in much later and I was already vocal about various issues. So people were wary of me. The 'Me Too' campaign is all about saying that we are not isolated. Those women who have spoken up are not isolated. We don't want anything else, we only want to be treated as people just like men are treated. It's about speaking the truth of the society.
My father is an extremely passionate Odia. I meet Odias outside the state those who don't speak Odia and don't eat Odia food and I am quite amazed by that. They say that they left Odisha before they were 18. I reply that I have never stayed here but thanks to my father who used to take us to Baripada, our home town, every year, me with my cousins used to sing Odia songs and especially the food here is highly sophisticated. It really breaks my heart that people don't know what we eat. The number of Pithas, the vegetables that we use, the variety of sweets we have, variety of fish and mutton - we have variety in every single thing and yet nobody knows about it. My connection with the state is very deep.
https://youtu.be/5WKFNFgbspI
Lipimayee Parida is a social activist with a passion to selflessly work for the differently-abled people as she believes everyone has the right to live with pride and dignity. Irrespective of physical disabilities one possesses, he/she shares a space on this earth and should never give up, something which she firmly believes in.
"I had always wished to marry a differently-abled person as I want a life fully dedicated to people who need me. I am happy to become a part of his (husband Jayant Mallick) life," Lipimayee said.
"No one is disabled on this earth. Jayant has his own place and I know he will get his own share," she said, adding, "Plenty of people miss their share of happiness in life. I have been working for these people and feel blessed to have got a chance to share my happiness with them."
Besides, Lipimayee believes that her marriage to Jayant would be able to change the mindset of society towards differently-abled people and lessen the stigma and discrimination that they have been subjected to and continue to encounter in their daily lives.
Lipimayee is a blessing to me as she not only accepted me but also understood me and my feelings, said Jayant.
Also Read: Odia boy Abhisek in ‘Britain’s Got Talent’
"I like her attitude and believe she will give my life its deepest meaning," he added.
Meanwhile, friends of the duo believe that the marriage will set an example and help differently-abled persons gain self-confidence and self-esteem.
https://youtu.be/9Ym8gS6JAl4
Bringing up the allegation at a press meet here, Linkan demanded that the actual accused be arrested by the police. Demanding a CBI probe, she also questioned why BJD leader Sanjay Dasburma is coming up with an explanation on the incident.
Talking to mediapersons, Linkan said, “He is not the accused as during face to face interrogation he was not able to answer my questions and in fact he did not recognise me. He was also not able to show my pictures on his phone. During the interrogation I became sure he is not the actual culprit.”
It may be mentioned that a youth identified as Mithun Sahu was arrested yesterday based on a complaint filed by Linkan on May 29. She had lodged a complaint with the Chandrasekharpur police after finding her pictures displayed on the site.
Linkan, founder of Seva Prayas Foundation, is known for her fight against child marriage and other social issues.
“It is the knowledge and the people who are become critical in today’s world. Since knowledge is the principal resource that the university creates and disseminates, its position in this new society becomes all the more important. The rise of new age organizations is clearly highlighting the importance of gaining a greater degree of understanding on what ‘knowledge capital’ means. Since people, knowledge, skills and entrepreneurship are going to play a key role in the functioning of the next society, universities need to change, turn entrepreneurial if they are to contribute and stay relevant in today’s society. Universities must analyze the domains of knowledge imparted by them vis-à-vis marketable skills that blend with the corresponding domains. This is a necessary task and I think Utkal University must take this challenge,” he said while addressing the 48th Convocation of Utkal University here.
He said efforts should be to impart such education that would advance global knowledge and help to create a ‘knowledge economy’. It must also provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills for acquiring jobs in an ambience of rapidly growing global knowledge and continuously emerging new technologies, he pointed out.
He further said excellence is the result of sincere effort, skilful execution and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.
“It is a continuous process by which you can inculcate the habit of putting in best efforts in everything that you do. It might be the smallest things that you do or the most important, you must put on heart and soul into doing your work in the best possible manner. Your commitment should not be towards achieving a certain result, but towards making a habit of excellence with great sincerity and passion,” the Governor said and called upon the teachers and students to practice positive values in their both behavior and actions.
Delivering convocation address, Dr Subroto Bagchi, Chairman, Odisha Skill Development Authority said, violence and corruption drive away good money and good investment. As a result, over time, the quality and quantity of employment of an entire region suffers. He urged upon students to take a deep breath and reflect upon the events around. He asked to denounce acts of violence in every sphere of life and shun violent people.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Ashok Kumar Das, Director, Higher Education Prof Nihar Ranjan Patnaik, Registrar MK Biswal among others were in the dais.
On this occasion, the Governor conferred Doctorate degree to six eminent personalities, Ph.D to 281 scholars and gold medal to 88 students.
Those who were conferred with Doctorate degree are eminent surgeon Dr Mukut Minz, former Direector of All India Institute of Medical Sciences Dr Ashok Mohapatra, well-known social activist Arundhati Devi, CMD of NLC India Ltd Dr Sarat Kumar Acharya, Director General, CIPET, Sanjay Kumar Nayak, National Law School of India University Prof R Venkat Rao.
“I have received the award after a long time and this is like a lifetime achievement award. I thank and Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and Syndicate members of Utkal University for selecting me as they found that I am worthy of this award,” Dr Minz told media persons here.
Dr Sarada Prasanna Mohanty, who was conferred with the Ph.D dgree, expressed his happiness for the award. “I am very happy to receive the Ph.D as it is almost the last award for a student in his/her academic career. I thank the Chancellor, Vice Chancellors and professors for their sincere cooperation in enabling me to receive the Ph.D,” he added.
Monica Behera, a medical student of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, said it was a rare occasion for her to receive the award. After a gap of 10-14 years, a medical student of a government medical college has been awarded with a gold medal in clinical subject. “As I come from a fraternity of surgeons and my father is also a surgeon, I feel proud of receiving the award from the Chancellor.
"I have been told that the government is sending a draft. I will discuss it with the core committee," Hazare told reporters here.
He has been on an indefinite hunger strike at the Ramlila Maidan here.
The activist has been pressing for appointments of Lokayukta at the Centre and Lokayuktas at the states, implementation of the M.S. Swaminathan Commission recommendation for fair prices of agriculture produce and electoral reforms.
Police said about 3,000 people participated in the agitation on Saturday. The number was 10,000 on Friday, according to police.
Known for her fearless attitude, Editor of weekly Kannada magazine "Gauri Lankesh Patrike", Lankesh vehemently opposed communalism and was a staunch critic of Hindutva politics.
A special event called "Gauri Ke Naam", organised by the Centre for Policy Analysis on Friday, was also joined by poets and musicians, among others, to pay tribute to Lankesh and her fearless journalism-activism.
An Indian Sufi ensemble based in the capital, Ruhaniyat, presented songs of peace and freedom.
One of the band members Sarim Ali, while talking to IANS, expressed deep sorrow at Lankesh's death and said: "It is completely unacceptable to suppress a voice, a voice of a person who was struggling for other people's rights."
"People who feel that killing her was justified are completely wrong."
Mayank from the same band said: "It is very depressing. We are a progressive nation, but what is happening is just the opposite."
Other performers included Saif Mehmood, Sujata, Vangish Jha, Ashok Kumar Pandey, Ravi Kant, Achyutanand Mishra, Sangwari group and Raza Haider.
Haider enthusiastically raised his voice through poetry against the various attacks on freedom in the country today.
"Gauri was a friend, an ardent activist in terms of women issues and democracy per se. She was a fierce fighter as far as democratic rights are concerned," said Raza.
"She never backed out from anything...never said no to any campaign ever. I just wanted to pay tribute to her," he added.
Then there was Relaa, a collective of Indian performers-turned-activists, reviving the long-forgotten tradition of protest songs in its fight against casteism, capitalism and discrimination.
"It is that time in this nation when we are told what to wear, what to eat, what to say, etc. etc. There isn't much of freedom left with the masses to decide things for themselves," the group manager said.
"Relaa is a cry against oppression, a cry for equality, a cry against caste atrocities, a cry for freedom," he explained.
Indian academic and novelist Purushottam Agrawal was also present at the event.
"When someone is brutally killed, apparently for her views, it is a matter of concern for every citizen...regardless of any agreement or disagreement with her," he told IANS.
"It (this kind of violence) won't end with her. Tomorrow it could be you, me or anyone else. One could be killed in the name of cow protection, Indian culture, Hindutva, Islam or whatever," he said.
"I am here to express that this kind of madness will not be tolerated. Political violence from any quarter is to be condemned...whether it is by the right wing or the left wing," he added.
"We learnt that the victim was shot dead from close range when she was standing at the gate of her house in Rajarajeswari Nagar (in the suburbs) around 8.30 p.m.," a senior police officer in Police Commissioner's office told IANS.
According to witnesses, three bullets were fired at Lankesh's forehead, killing her instantaneously.
"We will set up a special team to investigate the incident," said the official.
Lankesh was the editor of the popular Kannda tabloid "Lankesh Patrike". In November 2016, she was sentenced to six months in jail after a defamation case was filed against her for a report against Bharatiya Janata Party leaders.
Known for her outspoken nature and unrelenting pursuit for human rights, Asma was the first woman to serve as the President of Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan.
"I am devastated at the loss of my mother Asma Jahangir.
We shall be announcing date of funeral soon. We are waiting for our relatives to return to Lahore," her daughter Munizae Jahangir said in a tweet.
"Asma suffered heart attack today morning and she was rushed to Hameed Latif Hospital Lahore where she breathed her last. Doctors tried to save her life but couldn't," said senior lawyer Adeel Raja.
Quoting family sources, Geo News reported that Asma's funeral will be held on February 13.
Bar associations across Pakistan said they will observe three days of mourning and not partake in court proceedings.
As the news of her death broke, condolences started pouring in from lawyers, rights activists and politicians.
In a condolence message, President Mamnoon Hussain expressed grief over Asma's death, saying she rendered "unprecedented" services for the rule of law.
"Today the country has been deprived of a courageous and disciplined person, who was the voice of the voiceless," local media quoted Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's statement.
Ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif spoke about Asma's work for women and stance against dictators, saying it would be difficult to fill the void left by her death.
"Shocked & deeply saddened to hear of Asma Jehangir's sudden death. It is an irreparable loss. May she rest in eternal peace. Ameen," Maryam Nawaz, daughter of Sharif said.
"Democracy, human rights and resistance against oppression lost a great soldier- Asma Jehangir. It's everyone's loss. What a sad day!" she said.
Pakistan Peoples Party Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari expressed shock over the her demise, saying she was not just a person but was an effective voice for human rights.
"Deeply saddened by the news of sudden demise of renowned lawyer and human rights activist Asma Jahangir sahiba.
Pakistan has lost a passionate champion of human rights and a staunch supporter of democracy. May her soul rest in peace!," Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said in a tweet.
"Asma Jehangir's death is a loss of a strong voice for the marginalised and oppressed. Despite our differences I always respected her for her fight for human rights and for standing up for her convictions," said Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party Imran Khan.
"My hero, the woman I always looked up to, the woman who inspired me- heart broken- can t imagine how we will ever recover from this #AsmaJhangir #pakistan" said Oscar-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid.
Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan had become poorer with her demise.
"@asma_jahangir What a brave woman. Pakistan poorer without her. People like Asma are anchors of a society. The brave and dedicated daughter of a brave father. After 3 generations of camaraderie between our families, this is a deep personal loss. God bless her soul," Asif tweeted.
Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf said her death came as a national loss and her work for women rights and democracy will be etched in history.
Asma is survived by two daughters and a son. Her daughter Munizae is a TV anchor.
Born in January 1952 in Lahore, Asma co-founded and chaired the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. She has also been Supreme Court Bar Association president.
After obtaining LLB degree from the Punjab University in 1978, she started her career as an advocate at high and Supreme courts.
Asma became a champion democracy activist and was subsequently imprisoned in 1983 for participating in the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy against the military rule of Pakistan's longest-serving President Ziaul Haq.
In 1986, she moved to Geneva and became the vice-chair of the Defence for Children International. She remained there until 1988 before moving back to Pakistan.
In 1987, she co-founded the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and became its Secretary General until 1993 when she was elevated as commission's chairperson.
Asma also played an active role in the famous Lawyers' Movement to restore Iftikhar Chaudhry as the chief justice of Pakistan.
She has constantly raised the issue of "missing persons" in Pakistan and calling for grilling of intelligence agencies.
She was critical of the Supreme Court for "judicial activism" and also criticised the apex court for disqualifying Nawaz Sharif from the office of prime minister in July last year.
Asma has received several awards including the 2014 Right Livelihood Award, 2010 Freedom Award, Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2010 and Sitara-e-Imtiaz.
She has also been an outspoken critic of the Pakistan's powerful military establishment, including during her tenure as the first-ever female leader of Pakistan's top bar association.
Asma was arrested in 2007 by the government of the then military dictator Pervez Musharraf, and in 2012 claimed her life was in danger from the country's top spy agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI).
The former Aam Aadmi Party leader said the Truecaller app -- which reveals caller identity -- showed that the number belongs to "Dawood".
The activist lodged a complaint with the Vakola police station in suburban Santacruz about the call. Police officials from Vakola later visited her home and recorded her statement, she said.
Damania tweeted that she received the call at 12.33 am, asking her to withdraw all cases against Khadse, from a number prefixed with +92 -- the country code of Pakistan. The app flashed "Dawood 2" on the screen, she said in the tweet.
Earlier this month, Damania accused Khadse, a former minister, of making obscene remarks against her and demanded his arrest.
Khadse, however, had denied having made any such remarks against the social activist.
Damania told PTI that the caller spoke rudely to her and threatened to make her life difficult.
"I immediately spoke to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and he was prompt to assure me that the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) will seriously look into the matter," she added.
"I also spoke to the police commissioner. Ironically, officers from Vakola police station, which is just a five minute walk away from my home, took over an hour to reach my residence and record my statement," she said.
Damania also alleged that the police are taking the matter "casually" and did not deem it necessary to post a policeman outside her home.
The activist, through tweets, appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh for action in the matter.
Based on Damania's complaint, an FIR has been lodged under IPC sections 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) and 507 (criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication), a police official said.
Damania is among the petitioners who have filed a PIL in the Bombay High Court seeking action against Khadse for alleged graft.