Welfare of the impoverished to remain at core of my work: Achyuta Samanta

What will be your first question in the Rajya Sabha?
For the last 25 years I have been working relentlessly for the improvement of education, from the school-level to the professional, both in terms of accessibility and quality. One of my focus areas is the uplift of tribals, besides hunger and poverty alleviation through education. Since I have been working in this field, besides making a tremendous contribution to art, literature and culture, I will concentrate on providing education, social services and welfare measures to the common man if I am elected to the Rajya Sabha. My dream is the welfare of the common man.

How do you intend to spend your MPLAD funds?

It is too early to comment on this. I will do whatever the party decides. We will decide when the time comes. But the welfare of the poor will remain at the core of my work.

What will be your priority as an MP?

As an MP, I will first try to present myself with the same honesty, transparency, integrity, simplicity and humility that I have maintained since my childhood. I think one important role of an MP is his or her contribution to meaningful deliberations in Parliament.

Were you ever interested in politics, when you were young or in college?

I have never thought of joining politics. I have been telling people that I want to receive a few national and international awards, which people say I deserve. I have been working towards that. I express my thanks and gratitude to chief minister Naveen Patnaik for considering my candidature for the Rajya Sabha on the basis of my work.

When the offer of a Rajya Sabha seat came, did you have second thoughts?

It came all of a sudden. It was not planned, at least from my side. I remain awfully busy with work. Even when the indication came to me, I was busy with an assignment. But I had no second thoughts. I am thankful to the chief minister for reposing faith in me.

How will you divide your time between the Rajya Sabha and KIIT, KISS?

It will be divided well. I am a workaholic. I have been working tirelessly for the last 25 years without taking a single day's break. God has been kind to me. I have never suffered from any major ailment that required me to be in bed, even for a day. With the Almighty's grace, I have worked with the same energy and enthusiasm for so many years. I will continue to do all the work assigned to me with diligence and without one affecting the other.

Were you ever approached by BJD or any other party earlier?

They were talking among themselves. But since everybody knew I had no interest in politics, no party gave me a direct offer to join it.

Who is your favourite politician - in Odisha and in India?

In Odisha, the late Biju Patnaik is my favourite. Overall, it is definitely Atal Bihari Vajpayee. I consider them towering and statesmanlike, great sources of inspiration.

Your vision for Odisha...

It's for the head of the state to have a vision for the state. But in my capacity as a parliamentarian, if I am elected, I will contribute in whichever way possible. At the same time I will try my best not to deviate from my own path. We have built institutions by toiling hard.

What kind of role do you see for yourself in next year's elections?

I haven't thought about it till now. Let the time come.