Paperman Media | Bhubaneswar
Veteran collector, former Cooperative Officer, social organiser and respected collector-activist Late Bimal Chandra Sarangi passed away on September 18, 2026, at the age of 74. His demise has cast a pall of grief over his family, friends, fellow collectors and the many organisations with which he was associated across Khordha and Odisha.
Sarangi served as the Chairman of Odisha Sangrahaka Mahasangha and was also the Treasurer of the Central Committee of Utkal Sammilani. He was associated with several social, cultural and collectors’ organisations and was widely respected for his gentle personality, humility, organisational ability and commitment to social and cultural causes.
A passionate collector, Sarangi devoted decades to preserving objects that reflected history, society and everyday life. His remarkable collection included more than 5,000 newspapers from over 100 countries, besides combs and numerous other interesting and rare items.
In a deeply personal tribute to his late wife, Karunamayee, Sarangi established the Karunamayee Smaraki Khabarakagaja Sangrahalaya (Karunamayee Memorial Newspaper Museum). The museum stands as a lasting expression of his love and remembrance for his wife, while also reflecting his lifelong commitment to preserving newspaper heritage.
His love for collection became a family legacy as well. Inspired by his dedication, his grandson and granddaughter have also begun collecting, carrying forward the tradition he nurtured throughout his life.
Sarangi is survived by his two sons, daughters-in-law, one grandson and one granddaughter.
His passing is an irreparable loss to the collector community and the organisations he served. His gentle presence, dedicated service and remarkable contribution to the preservation of newspapers and memorabilia will be remembered with profound respect and affection. His legacy will continue through the collections he preserved, the museum he established and the generations he inspired.
