Bhubaneswar, Oct 29: VK Pandian, the newly-appointed chairman of the 5T Initiatives and Nabin Odisha program in the government of Naveen Patnaik, embarked on a new chapter in his life and recently posted on Instagram.
With a pre-dawn view of the illuminated Jagannath Temple in Puri, the former bureaucrat, known for his early morning visits to project sites, signified the beginning of his significant role.
The newly-appointed chairman of the 5T Initiatives and Nabin Odisha program shared a video on Instagram and thanked the people of Odisha for all the blessings and also admitted that he will continue the good work for the state.
Pandian’s journey from a 4 a.m. officer to a prominent figure in Odisha’s administration has been likened to a steady and gradual progression akin to his background as a middle-distance runner.
His association with Naveen Patnaik began in 2011 when he was handpicked as the Chief Minister’s private secretary. His loyalty, administrative skills, and political acumen earned him the complete trust of the CM.
Also Read: Amit Shah to Replace PM Modi in Mizoram Election Campaign
Over the years, Pandian’s unassuming demeanor and diligence elevated him to a position of significant influence, leading some to consider him the de facto Chief Minister. He has consistently displayed a keen understanding of public sentiment, notably during his tenure as an additional district magistrate of Rourkela when he operated a JCB to clear unauthorized encroachments.
Pandian’s innovative approaches as a Ganjam collector caught Naveen Patnaik’s attention. He played a pivotal role in managing the crisis that arose during a political coup in 2012 and continued to safeguard the CM’s authority. Over time, the power center in the state gravitated around him, and his office on the third floor of the CM’s Secretariat became synonymous with influence. He was the gateway to Patnaik.
Recently, Pandian has been driving transformative initiatives in Odisha. From hosting the Asian Athletics Championships to organizing men’s hockey World Cups successfully and various international sports events, he established Odisha as a global sports hub.
His impact on Odisha’s governance is evident in projects such as the Jagannath Heritage Corridor, the development of religious and tourist sites, and the enhancement of SCB Medical College.
