Report by Rashmi r Parida; New Delhi: Odisha's Bikram K. Mohanty to run for state senate in USA for state of Georgia. Bikram will run form the 8th District of Georgia as candidate from Democratic Party.

Georgia-based Bikram is an entrepreneur and occupational therapist. He is living in Lowndes county for last 16 yrs. Bikram is the first Odia who contest for any legislative position outside India. He hails from the Chandbali of Bhadrak district and he completed his graduation in Bhadrak College. Later he joined National Institute for Ortho, Calcutta in 1988 and moved to USA in 1994.

He said to Odishadiary that, "Seventeen years ago I embarked on a journey to the United States of America. Upon arrival I landed in the great city of Valdosta, Georgia where I made the best decision in my life to make this my home. My wife and I have three young children. Our children attend public school and we attend St John’s Catholic Church." 

He said that, "Serving the public interest has been on my pulse since child hood. With friends I travelled to flood ravaged villages in Odisha to distribute relief from Ramkrishna Mission. As a high school student at 15 yrs of age I was instrumental in organizing service camps for the poor with help of a local physician to treat diarohea, or cholera as it was called at that time. I made paperbags ( known as THUNGA) in Summer time when school was done,  to raise funds for some villagers who couldn't pay for their medicine. "

He further added that, "I am running because I truly believe my skills and commitment will help create jobs in South Georgia. If entrusted to Georgia Senate, I do know that my experience and proven track record in health care industry will facilitate achieving the milestone of balancing the State budget and creating jobs. I am a truly passionate problem solver and I am asking for votes to my area people."

Bikram is the founder and CEO of Innovative Rehab Solutions. In 2005, he was appointed to the  White house Conference on Aging as an alternate delegate from Georgia. He served in Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce from 2002-2003. He held the position of the licensure liaison to the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapist where he participated in key healthcare issues and regulations between the State Board and The Association, which represent my profession. He founded a nonprofit organization, Mother Teresa Foundation that thrives to serve the healthcare and disease prevention issues that plague low income and homeless Americans.