Ex-MLA Dr Dibakar Sharma passes away

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Aul (Kendrapara), Apr 6:

Former MLA of Aul Dr Dibakar Nath Sharma passed away at his residence here last night. He was 94.

Sharma was elected MLA from Aul as a Congress candidate in 1967.

Dr Sharma, a former student of Banaras Hindu University, completed his medical education from SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. He belonged to the first batch of SCB medical graduates.

Later, influenced by the Gandhian philosophy, he joined active politics.

He had served as the vice president of the All India Medical Association, Odisha branch for several years.

A recipient of Doctors International Award, Sharma had worked with Ishwar Lal Vyas, Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan and Madan Mohan Malavya during his early political career.

He had played an active part in the Bhuyan Movement, Praja Mandal Movement – against the autocratic rule of feudal lords- as well as the Quit India Movement.

Dr Sharma’s lasting contributions to the development works in Pattamundai and Aul areas had endeared him to the local people. Construction of ring dam, electrification, setting up of lift irrigation points and educational institutes at Aul are amonghis major contributions for which he became immensely popular.

With his effort, the Jagannath Nursing Home was set up at Niali.

His son, Debendra Sharma who is contesting from Aul constituency as a Congress candidate, had to cut short his campaign on Saturday following the death of his father.

Thousands of people rushed Sharma’s residence to have a last glimpse of their departed leader.