An architect of modern Orissa, Dev attended the first Round Table Conference in London on November 16, 1930, wherein he made a fervent appeal for creating a separate province of Orissa on the basis of language and homogeneity. As an eloquent spokesman of Oriyas, he was felicitated by Madhusudan Das, the father of modern Orissa. As a scion of illustrious Ganga ruler, he espoused the cause of poor and downtrodden. He also played an important role in bringing together the parts of Orissa and laid the foundation of United Orissa. He was a member of old Madras Legislative council, a member of royal commission of Agriculture and a member of Orissa Legislative Assembly. He was twice elected as Chief Minister of Orissa.

He was an educationalist, freedon fighter, social reformer & saviuor of the poor. He established a permanent theatre at Parlakhemundi for promoting cultural activities.