Once a powerful BJD MLA, Angada Kanhar is now a proud farmer; know his journey

Angada Kanhar, once a BJD MLA from Phulbani, now a farmer in Phiringia. Cultivates Kalabati rice and black turmeric on his 29-acre land, embodying simplicity and rural roots.

BJD MLA, Angada Kanhar is now a proud farmer

BJD MLA, Angada Kanhar is now a proud farmer

time

Once a ruling party legislator, Angada Kanhar is now a humble farmer. Gone are the luxuries of VIP culture, sprawling mansions, or a long line of attendants. Plowing his fields with a bullock and working alongside his wife, son, and daughter-in-law, he says 'it is his natural way'.

Despite spending years in power politics, Angada believes in staying connected to his roots and to the soil. The former MLA of Phulbani has transitioned from wielding political influence to toiling in the fields and cultivating crops with his family. When asked, he delivers a clear message- 'the progress of a farmer is the progress of the nation'.

A Life Rooted in Simplicity  

Living in his ancestral village in the Phiringia block, Angada owns approximately 29 acres of land, of which 20 acres are used for farming.

There, he grows various crops, including the nutritious Kalabati rice, which he emphasizes is beneficial for controlling diabetes, and black turmeric, known for its medicinal properties. Moreover, he also plans to start dragon fruit farming soon.

ALSO READ: BJP, BJD trade barbs amid political unrest in Jajpur

A Political Career with Humble Beginning  

Since 1983, Angada has been actively involved in politics, serving four times as Sarpanch, twice as a District Council Member, and once as Phiringia Block Chairperson.

In 2019, he was elected MLA from the Phulbani constituency. Despite his long political career, Angada has stayed away from the trappings of modernity or VIP culture.  

At the age of 58, he surprised many by appearing for his matriculation examination in 2022. He scored 72% marks, reflecting his lifelong commitment to personal growth and education.

ALSO READ: Balasore farmers yet to get insurance assistance, seek administration intervention

A Journey of Self-Improvement  

Angada’s daughter-in-law, Jyotima Pradhan, and son, Purnachandra Kanhar, share his vision and work alongside him in the fields. Together, they represent a family dedicated to self-sufficiency and rural development.

Next story