Sarat Kumar Sahoo, Ruchi Masala Founder, Passes Away | Leaders Pay Tribute
Bhubaneswar, Nov 2: Sarat Kumar Sahoo, the pioneering founder of Ruchi Masala and a stalwart of Odisha’s industrial landscape, passed away on Sunday afternoon in Mumbai after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was undergoing treatment at a hospital in the city, where he breathed his last. His mortal remains will be brought to Cuttack for the final rites.
Sahoo’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1976 with the founding of Om Oil and Flour Mills in Cuttack’s industrial belt. What started as a modest turmeric powder unit soon blossomed into Ruchi Masala—a household name across India, known for its wide range of spices, instant foods, noodles, and ready-to-eat products. Under his leadership, the brand not only dominated the Indian market but also found its way into international kitchens.
As Managing Director, Sahoo’s relentless dedication, strategic foresight, and commitment to quality transformed Ruchi into one of India’s most trusted food brands. His legacy is now carried forward by his son Arbind Sahoo and daughter-in-law Rashmi Sahoo, both of whom serve as directors and have played pivotal roles in expanding the brand’s reach.
Tributes poured in from across the political and business spectrum. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi called it an “irreparable loss” to the state’s business community. Former CM Naveen Patnaik praised Sahoo’s role in putting Odisha on the global map through his entrepreneurial spirit. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan described him as a “visionary industrialist” whose contributions created a new direction for Odisha’s economy.
Sarat Kumar Sahoo’s life story is one of grit, growth, and grounded leadership. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of entrepreneurs in Odisha and beyond.
Bharat Masala MD Mourns the Passing Away of Sarat Kumar Sahoo
Susanta Kumar Panda, Managing Director of Bharat Masala, one of Odisha’s leading spice manufacturers, expressed profound shock and grief in a heartfelt statement. “Upon hearing the news of Sir’s passing, I was stunned into silence. He was a shining star in Odisha’s industrial world. The vacuum created in the Odisha spice industry today cannot be filled,” Panda said.
Panda, who shared a professional camaraderie with Sahoo, recalled numerous interactions that went beyond business rivalry. Despite the healthy competition between Ruchi and Bharat Masala in the spice market, their relationship was marked by mutual respect devoid of any bitterness. “There was a spirit of healthy competition between Ruchi and Bharat Masala in the spice production sector, but between Sir and me, there was no room for rivalry or ill will,” Panda noted.
What stood out most in Panda’s reminiscences were Sar’s invaluable insights into sustaining success in a challenging industry. “In every discussion, he would advise on how to maintain patience and perseverance to stand firm in business. Today, his company endures, and so does ours—but Sarat Sir is no more,” Panda lamented. Yet, in a poignant turn, Panda emphasised the enduring legacy of his guidance. “Even in his absence, his invisible counsel will continue to inspire and motivate us forward.”
Concluding his message, Panda offered deepest condolences: “Beyond paying homage to Sir’s untimely demise, I have no other recourse. I pray for the peaceful journey of his departed soul and implore divine strength, courage, and resilience for his family.”
