Balaram Behera, DIG, CRPF: an amalgamation of simplicity and rule of law

Badal Tah,Odishabarta

RAYAGADA:Sri Balaram Behera, who earlier officiated as Commandant, 4th Battalion, CRPF at Rayagada has been promoted as DIG, CRPF, Raipur in Chhatisgarh state. Now he will take over the charge as group Commanding Officer for the Anti Naxal Operation. He is an example before the police force and civilians regarding how a person can reach up to a top echelon from a modest start up.

Born in a non-descript village named Maindipur of Puri district of Odisha state of India, Balaram successfully post graduated in Economics from Utkal University after schooling and college from villages nearer to his birthplace.

He joined CRPF 1993 as Direct Gazetted  officer and there was no looking back after this in serving the motherland.

During his 26 years of service career Balaram served various parts of the country and participated in number of  anti terrorism operation in J & K, Anti Naxal Operation in Left Wing Extremist (LWE) area Odisha, anti insurgency operation in North East area, especially in Assam & Nagaland. Due to his performance par excellence in duties, he was awarded DG commendation disc, Hard Area Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Antarik Surakhya Medal. Besides, he also served in United Nation Peace Mission in Yugoslovia and also awarded UN Medal.

“As an Odia, Balaram has made us proud. He has proved that if there is a commitment and a strong will, one can reach the top hierarchy. If coupled with modesty, honesty, simplycity and adherence to rule of law, one can also shake Himalayas. Balaram is an epitome of all such qualities with a high relationship score. During his days of service in Rayagada he could lessen the gaps between this para-military force and the local civilians. It was reflected in containing law and order situation and restoring peace in the region”, said Bidulata Huika, State Convenor of Odisha Adivasi Manch, an apex level tribal forum of Odisha state.