User:RD COOL13/Ghanshyam Dash

Ghanshyam Dash (1923-2008), was a former Chief of Police in the State of Orissa. Dash joined the police services in 1950 and became the first Odiya IPS officer. He was born in Jagatsinghpur, Orissa, India (then British India). Belonging to a very simple family, Ghanshyam had to struggle a lot throughout his life.

At the age of 7, Dash came to Cuttack to start his education. After studying there for sometime, he at the age of 11 fled to Lahore, Pakistan (then part of British India), with no money in his pockets. This was quite unbelievable that an eleven year old during those days when there was no proper commuting facilities went to such a far off place. There he met his "Guruji" who asked the little boy from where he was and Ghanshyam replied- "Puri Jagannath". The Guru did realise the boy's charm and intelligence and asked him to continue his education.

Ghanshyam got his admissions in DAV School, Lahore with full scholarship and later joined Lahore University, where he was a gold medallist in Mathematics and English.

While all this, the political scenario in the country was changing. India (including Pakistan), the division between Hindus and Muslims, the independence struggle was at its peak and the country already felt the Independence being achieved. But the tension between Hindus and Muslims grew with time and there was a constant struggle for an Independent and separate Pakistan.

In between all this, Dash who had just finished his education from Lahore University came back to his native village (after separation), where people were shocked to see the young boy alive.

In 1950, Ghanshyam, after years of struggle, hardwork and dedication joined the Indian Police Service.