Sriballav Panigrahi, a multi faceted personality was born into a freedom fighter's family at Bargaon in Sambalpur district on the 2nd of September, 1940. He was elected to Lok Sabha thrice from Deogarh Parliamentary Constituency in 1984, 1991 and 1996. Also elected to Odisha Assembly twice in 1971 and 1974 from Sambalpur segment, he was a cabinet minister in the state at a very young age from 1973 to 1977. He handled portfolios of revenue, irrigation and power, law, education, parliamentary affairs, food and civil supplies and commerce.

Regarded as a straight forward politician, he was known for his oratory skills and austere and simple lifestyle. He firmly believed that right education has the power to create a strong individual. He was a voracious reader and had the capacity to discuss various subjects with much ease.