Chandra Sekhar Behera was an Indian social worker and philanthropist who dedicated his life to the betterment of the poor and marginalized communities in Odisha. He was born on 10th March 1936 in the village of Kanheipur in the Cuttack district.
Behera started his career as a school teacher and worked in several schools across Odisha. He was deeply disturbed by the poverty and lack of opportunities that he saw around him and decided to take up social work as a full-time profession.
In 1976, Behera founded the People's Cultural Centre (PCC), a non-profit organization that worked towards the upliftment of the poor and marginalized communities in Odisha. The organization focused on providing education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities to people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Under Behera's leadership, PCC started several programs that aimed to empower women, promote sustainable agriculture, and improve the health and hygiene of rural communities. The organization also provided scholarships to meritorious students from economically weaker sections and worked towards creating a more equitable and just society.
Behera was a tireless worker and his efforts were recognized both nationally and internationally. He was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2003 for his contribution to social work. He also received the Ramon Magsaysay Award, one of Asia's most prestigious awards, in 1992.
In addition to his work with PCC, Behera was also involved in several other social initiatives. He helped to establish the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORDMAS), which aimed to create market linkages for rural produce and generate livelihood opportunities for farmers. He also served as a member of the National Advisory Council on Rural Development and was involved in several other government initiatives.
Behera's work and legacy continue to inspire social workers and activists in Odisha and across India. He passed away on 22nd May 2007, leaving behind a rich legacy of compassion and service to society.
In conclusion, Chandra Sekhar Behera was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the upliftment of the poor and marginalized communities in Odisha. His work with PCC and other initiatives has had a profound impact on the lives of thousands of people and his legacy continues to inspire generations of social workers and activists.
