Late Sri. Basant Kumar Biswal is the founder of The Samaya. Born in 1933 in village Tulang in Cuttack district in Orissa, graduated from the prestigious Ravenshaw College Cuttack, he devoted himself to Social Service.

He was elected to Orissa Legislative Assembly for three terms from his home Constituency Tirtol and during 1980-85 he was a Minister and during 1995-2000 he was Deputy Chief Minister, Orissa. Every sector of administration which came in his charge received his Midas touch. He is remembered as legendary architect of modern Orissa. He has given road connectivity to various parts of the state by building roads and bridging the rivers, created irrigation facilities for 2.5 lakh hectares of agricultural land in a period of 5 years - got national grade Indoor Stadium built at Cuttack, strengthened and expanded Bharat Scouts and Guides movement in the state - all in amazing speed. A great patron of literature and culture, he is the creator of Sarala Bhavan, a magnificent 3 storeyed complex with 24000 sq. ft. built up area at Cuttack in memory of 15th centure Oriya epic poet Sarala Das.

He enjoyed affectionate appreciation of Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab and on his request remained associated with The Prajatantra, for sometime of which Dr. Mahatab was the founder . This was his direct involvement in publication of newspaper.

The Samaya was established by him as the first colour Oriya daily with a well equipped modern printing press. After the will of its Founder, The Samaya is fresh in news, fair in views, reader friendly and a quality out put.