Biography of Hon'ble Member Shri Prakash Kumar

Member, Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA)

Shri Prakash Kumar, a dedicated public servant and a passionate advocate for societal welfare, has had an illustrious career spanning over four decades. His life and work have been a testament to unwavering commitment, resilience, and service to society. With his exceptional contributions in banking, social development, and disaster management, Shri Kumar has emerged as a symbol of leadership and inspiration for all.

Early Life and Education

Born on 8TH June 1955, Shri Kumar hails from a modest family in Bihar. He completed his early education at Janakdhari High School, Danapur, where he excelled in academics. He pursued Intermediate Science (I.Sc.) at B.N. College, Patna University, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry Honours from the same prestigious institution between 1974-1977. His formative years were marked by a deep-rooted interest in serving the community and a passion for creating positive change in society.

Professional Journey: 35 Years of Service at SBI

In 1981, Shri Kumar joined the State Bank of India (SBI), embarking on a journey that span an illustrious 35 years. Rising through the ranks with diligence and determination, he retired as Deputy Manager in 2016. Throughout his tenure, he played a pivotal role in extending the bank's services to rural areas, particularly focusing on financial inclusion and community welfare. His visionary approach to rural banking includes:

• Actively participated in transferring existing customer data, accounts and transactions in manual bankingprocess to the new core banking system and continuously monitor the system performance and address any issue that arises.
• Organizing financial literacy programs to educate rural populations about banking services and schemes.
• Facilitating agriculture financing and providing valuable insights to farmers on fisheries, horticulture, and allied activities.
• Coordinatinghealth check-up camps, eye camps, and blood donation drives in  underserved villages.
• Distributing educational materials, including books and copies, to underprivileged students.
• Promoting environmental sustainability through tree plantation drives.

Shri Kumar also championed the cause of celebrating birthdays of office teammates by planting saplings, advocating this practice as a meaningful contribution to environmental conservation.

Leadership in Social and Environmental Causes

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Shri Kumar has always been deeply engaged in social and environmental causes. Throughout his life, he has actively worked to uplift marginalized and backward communities, organizing programs that focus on:

• Education and Skill Development: Providing free education and vocational training to rural populations to enhance employability.
• Healthcare Access: Collaborating with officials to organize health camps and ensure basic healthcare facilities for underprivileged sections.
• Environmental Sustainability: Promoting tree plantation drives and raising awareness about ecological balance.

His advocacy for sustainable practices and his emphasis on empowering communities reflect his holistic approach to development.

Post-Retirement Contributions: A Pillar of Disaster Management

After his retirement, Shri Kumar was appointed as a Member of the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA) on 2nd August 2024 for a period of 5 years by the Hon’ble Chief Minister. His transition into the field of disaster management marked a new chapter of impactful service.

At BSDMA, Shri Kumar has been at the forefront of numerous initiatives aimed at building resilience among communities and improving disaster preparedness across Bihar. His contributions include:

Climate Change: Coordinating climate change adaptation Technique and Technologyin different type of training session, workshop and seminars.

• Capacity Building Programs: Designing and conducting training sessions, workshops,  and seminars to empower communities with knowledge on disaster preparedness and response.
• Policy Frameworks: Facilitating the development of policies and guidelines to address both natural and human-induced disasters effectively.
• Community Resilience: Organizing mock drills, awareness campaigns, and skill development initiatives to enhance disaster resilience at the state, village, andcommunity levels.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Monitoring training programs and establishing memorandums of understanding with various stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to disaster management. 
• Bihar DRR Roadmap: Involve in reviewing of Bihar Disaster Risk Reduction Roadmap (2015-2030).
• Sign up of various MOU’s: Facilitating the implementation of various MOU’s with recognized Institutions.

Shri Kumar’s tireless efforts have made a significant impact on disaster preparedness in Bihar. His initiatives have not only enhanced community resilience but have also helped build a society that is better equipped to handle crises.

National Contributions and Recognition

Shri Kumar has represented Bihar on various national-level committees focused on information, education, and communication (IEC) for environmental and ecological balance. He has been actively involved in implementing national programs related to quality assurance, skill development, and employability, further cementing his legacy as a thought leader and change maker. His vision for future Technology driven disaster risk reduction in Bihar.

A Legacy of Dedication and Service

Shri Kumar’s life and career exemplify a relentless pursuit of excellence and an unwavering dedication to public service. His journey from a young banker to a distinguished member of BSDMA showcases his versatility, leadership, and passion for creating meaningful change. His work in disaster management has left an indelible mark on Bihar, inspiring communities to be resilient and self-reliant.

As a visionary leader and compassionate advocate, Shri Kumar continues to contribute to the welfare and safety of society, ensuring a brighter and more secure future for all. His life serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.