The marriage proved to be a blessing as Bhagirathi, patriotic and liberal-minded, stood by Sarala in all her pursuits.
Sarala also involved herself in the activities of the UtkalCongress Samyavadi Karmi Sangha, a Marxist organisation committed to the welfare of the peasantry.
She was the first Oriya member in the All India Congress Committee, and she served as secretary of the Utkal Sahitya Samaj.