Bhubaneswar, June 26: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan received a sea of birthday wishes from political leaders and well-wishers across the country as he turned 56 today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the greetings, praising Pradhan’s contributions to India’s education sector, especially his focus on research and innovation. “His efforts are greatly benefitting India’s Yuva Shakti,” the PM wrote on X.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also extended heartfelt wishes, praying for Pradhan’s long life and continued leadership in strengthening the nation’s education system.

Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Hardeep Singh Puri, and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath joined in, lauding Pradhan’s dedication and public service.

Born in 1969, Pradhan represents the Sambalpur constituency in Odisha and has held several key portfolios in the Union Cabinet. Fondly known as the ‘Ujjwala Man’ for his role in the PM Ujjwala Yojana, he continues to be a prominent face in national politics.

Pradhan’s political journey is a compelling story of grassroots activism, strategic leadership, and national influence—shaped by his deep roots in Odisha and his rise through the ranks of the BJP.

Early Political Roots

Born on June 26, 1969, in Talcher, Odisha, Dharmendra Pradhan was inspired early on by his father, Debendra Pradhan, a former Union Minister in the Vajpayee government. Dharmendra began his political career in 1983 as an activist with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), eventually becoming its national secretary. His leadership potential was evident from his college days, where he served as Student Union President at Talcher College.

Rise in Odisha Politics

Pradhan’s first major electoral success came in 2000 when he was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from Pallahara. In 2004, he entered the Lok Sabha from Deogarh, marking his transition to national politics. Though he lost the seat in 2009, he remained a key strategist and organizational force within the BJP, especially in Odisha, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the party’s base in a state traditionally dominated by Congress and BJD.

Successful Union Minister

Pradhan’s national prominence soared under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He has held several key portfolios:

Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas (2014–2021): He spearheaded the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, providing over 80 million LPG connections to women from BPL families—a transformative step in rural India.

Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (2017–2019): Focused on skilling India’s youth to meet global workforce demands.

Union Minister of Education (2021–present): He has been instrumental in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP), emphasizing holistic, multidisciplinary learning and digital inclusion.

Odisha's Development

As a Lok Sabha MP from Sambalpur (elected again in 2024), Pradhan has championed several development initiatives in Odisha:

• Advocated for the expansion of Rourkela Steel Plant and upgradation of Rourkela Airport, aiming to boost regional industry and connectivity.

• Proposed the establishment of four specialized colleges in Sambalpur to promote agriculture-based education and research.

• Actively pushed for timely release of Finance Commission grants to Urban Local Bodies in western Odisha, ensuring civic development and infrastructure upgrades.

Key Role In BJP

Pradhan is widely regarded as one of the BJP’s most effective strategists. He has served as the party’s in-charge for key states like Bihar, Karnataka, and Uttarakhand, helping the BJP expand its footprint. He also played key role in strengthening BJP in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal. His organizational acumen and ability to connect with grassroots workers have made him a trusted lieutenant in the party’s national leadership.

Pradhan’s career reflects a blend of policy innovation, regional commitment, and national vision. Whether it’s empowering rural women through clean energy or reshaping India’s education landscape, his contributions continue to shape both Odisha’s future and India’s development trajectory.

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