S.K. Tamotia
Former CMD, NALCO
Dr Jagannath Patnaik is a multi-faceted personality. He is often labelled as an educationist and spiritual motivator. Would that be appropriate? Well, he is certainly that but not only that. The injustice in confining him to this one compartment would be evident the moment we get to hear his erudite comments on various issues, some far removed from the fields of educational administration, and even education, for that matter. His compass is indeed very wide. He is a hard-core project planner and earned a worldwide reputation as a theoretical particle architect or builder. He is an inter-faith motivator par excellence, having taught to a fairly large group of people in the country and overseas.
He is an international authority on educational development, having been very active in the development of institutions in India and overseas. He is a good orator and writes proficiently. He is an institution-builder and one does not have to go beyond saying that he is a good nurturer of talent both individual and institutional.
Dr Patnaaik is a thinker with wide interests. He is just not a laboratory or armchair-educationalist but has moved widely in the society directing his thoughts on innovative systems in educational development. At a casual encounter, one may find him to be a rather serious introvert, but once you get to know him, you find the witty, even mischievous side of his persona. Above all, he is very honest and transparent in his personal and public dealings. How would you then describe him finally, perhaps simply as a fine human being? He has always shunned publicity. He has preferred to do his work patiently and diligently away from the limelight. That is perhaps the reason he remains unknown to many. Many of us know Dr Patnaaik had a brilliant academic career, but only a few may know that very early in his life he must have decided to make a career in education and was highly motivated. A sense of overall perseverance in overcoming personal challenges during early phases in his career helped him achieve his chosen end.
For me, Dr Patnaaik is a perfect gentleman, a loyal friend and a tower of strength in the time of need. On several occasions of students’ agitations, his qualities of the ‘head and the heart’ diffused crises. He is a man of many qualities. Despite his problems of an assorted nature, he would always keep his cool. He is a sincere and loyal friend, always ready to help. In teamwork, he would shine as a leader of all. For him, family and friends are of equal value, helping all of them to his best capacity.
