Subroto Bagchi
Subroto Bagchi, a distinguished entrepreneur and co-founder of Mindtree, has significantly shaped Odisha’s socio-economic landscape since 2016. Invited by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Bagchi took on the role of Chairman of the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) with a symbolic salary of Rs 1 per year. His mission was to unify the state’s skill development initiatives under the ‘Skilled-in-Odisha’ brand, aiming to equip 1.5 million youth with employable skills by 2024, with a focus on school dropouts. Under his leadership, Odisha achieved remarkable milestones, including becoming the top-performing state under employment-linked skill programs like DDU-GKY for three consecutive years. Bagchi’s innovative approach transformed government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into vibrant institutions, increasing girls’ enrollment from 6% to 22% through the Sudakshya scheme.
Subroto Bagchi’s Vision for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Beyond skill development, Bagchi championed entrepreneurship through initiatives like the ‘Nano-Unicorn’ program, designed to support skilled youth in launching small businesses. This program was challenging due to the global 4% success rate of entrepreneurial ventures. His efforts extended to attracting industrial investments and promoting leadership development within the government. A notable achievement was Odisha’s first gold medal at the World Skills Competition in Russia. Additionally, his collaboration with the Singapore Government trained over 215 ITI teachers, enhancing the quality of vocational education in Odisha.
Philanthropy for Odisha’s Healthcare
Bagchi and his wife Susmita have made substantial contributions to Odisha’s healthcare sector. In 2021, they pledged Rs 340 crore to establish the Bagchi Sri Shankara Cancer Centre and Research Institute and a palliative care unit with Karunashraya in Bhubaneswar. The 750-bed cancer hospital, inaugurated in February 2024, can provide radiotherapy to 300 patients and chemotherapy to 150 patients daily, addressing one-third of Odisha’s cancer care needs. This Rs 410-crore facility was built on 22 acres provided by the state government. The Bagchis’ philanthropy also supports causes like blindness prevention, geriatric care, and mental health.
Subroto Bagchi’s Leadership in Crisis and Governance
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bagchi served as Odisha’s Chief Spokesperson. His articulate leadership helped manage the crisis in its early stages. After stepping down from OSDA in June 2023 for personal reasons, Bagchi returned in August 2023 as Chief Advisor to the Odisha government. In this role, he works to strengthen civil services training institutions, aiming to create a robust governance framework for the state. His contributions have earned him honorary doctorates from Utkal University and Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, alongside recognition from institutions like IIM Bengaluru and the Software Technology Parks of India.
Subroto Bagchi’s journey from a clerk in Odisha’s Industries Department to a transformative leader exemplifies his resilience and dedication. His work in skill development, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and governance has elevated Odisha’s global standing and inspired a new generation to dream big.
