Nabarangpur,Aug 10 [UDN}:: A memorial meeting was organized at the Tripti Lodge Conference Hall in Nabarangpur to pay tribute to the late Dr. Bijaya Kumar Mishra, an eminent researcher, author, educator, and distinguished public speaker.
The event was jointly organized by the Nabarangpur District Citizens’ Committee, Bhagirathi Smruti Sansad, Shri Kunj Bihari Library, Sambad Sahitya Ghar, and the Utkal Parishad. The meeting was presided over by noted social worker Jagannath Mohapatra, while Ram Prasad Patra presented an introductory note on the life and achievements of Dr. Mishra. Prabhasini Mohanty conducted the proceedings.
Among those on the dais were poet Bijaya Choudhury, Niranjan Mishra, Muna Tripathy, and Dr. Sai Ramesh Rao, who reflected on Dr. Mishra’s remarkable life and contributions. The programme commenced with the offering of floral tributes to his portrait, the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, and a minute of silence in memory of the departed soul. Vocalists Suresh Mishra and Kasturi Rath presented devotional tribute songs.
Dr. Mishra earned his Ph.D. from Berhampur University for his research on “Tribal Development in Nabarangpur District.” His academic career began in 1982 at Kotpad College in Koraput district. He later served at Dharamgarh College in Kalahandi district before joining Nabarangpur College, where he taught from 2003 to 2019. He retired as Reader in the Department of Political Science.
A prolific scholar, Dr. Mishra authored eight books. His acclaimed work “Sahityik Bhagirathi Patra” was published by the Odisha Sahitya Akademi. In addition to his books, he wrote more than 100 research articles and essays in various newspapers and journals, with three papers published internationally. His final research work, “The Contribution of the Undivided Koraput District to India’s Freedom Movement,” was published as a book.
Recognized as a respected researcher and intellectual, Dr. Mishra supervised the research of 15 postgraduate students, while four faculty members earned their Ph.D. degrees under his guidance. He also translated several books from English into Odia.
Throughout his career, he participated in numerous national seminars and received training twice from the National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), Government of India. Widely admired for his eloquence, he delivered lectures both offline and online on a variety of subjects.
Dr. Mishra also travelled extensively abroad, visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Nepal, and Vietnam. During the annual Rath Yatra, he was well known for providing live commentary and delivering spiritual discourses on Lord Jagannath and the Ramayana at various religious events.
Speakers at the memorial meeting described Dr. Mishra as an ideal teacher, accomplished author, eminent researcher, and inspiring orator, observing that his passing has created an irreparable loss to the fields of education and literature. Several distinguished personalities, including poets, academics, administrators, legal professionals, and social leaders, shared their memories and paid heartfelt tributes to him.
During the meeting, a proposal was passed to establish a Dr. Bijaya Kumar Mishra Memorial Forum and publish a commemorative volume documenting his life, literary works, research contributions, and enduring legacy.
Tribute messages sent by his close friend Professor Nabin Panda and senior poet Narayan Panda were also read out during the programme.
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