Bhubaneswar: Renowned industrialist from Odisha, Sarat Kumar Sahoo, passed away at a hospital in Mumbai on Sunday, according to his family. He was 76 years old and is survived by a son and a daughter. Sahoo, who founded Ruchi Foodline, served as the Executive Chairman of the Odisha Assembly of Small and Medium Enterprises (OASME). Known throughout the State for his company’s product ‘Ruchi Masala,’ Sahoo began his business nearly 49 years ago from a small rented space in Cuttack. Today, Ruchi Foodline operates 18,000 outlets across seven countries. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and State Assembly Leader of the Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, were among many who shared their condolences following Sahoo’s passing.
On X, Majhi expressed his sorrow, stating, “I am saddened to know about the demise of Dr Sarat Kumar Sahoo, the founder of Ruchi Foodline. This is an irreparable loss for Odisha’s industrial sector. I express my deep condolences to his family members and pray to Lord Jagannath to give peace to the departed soul.” Patnaik remarked, “I am deeply saddened to know about the demise of eminent industrialist and founder of Ruchi Foodline, Sarat Kumar Sahoo. His contributions to promoting Odisha’s industry and identity on the global stage will always remain memorable. Along with praying for the eternal peace of his immortal soul, I convey my condolences to the bereaved family members.”