Dr Srikant Mishra
Eminent Poet and Syndicate Member, Utkal University
Dr Jagannath Patnaik, a paragon of a personality, an epitome of virtues and an available treasure of abilities for all near and far, is always looked upon by many with various expectations. He is tall not only physically but also in a series of qualities. Widely known as a vanguard of education and educational administration at home and abroad, he has lots of laurels and presentations to his credit.
The Lord Pundit, as he is popularly known, is one of those who dwell in the joy of living for others. He has immense practical wisdom as an educationalist, a visionary whose vision extends far off shores illuminating the light of knowledge. Lord Pundit is a title awarded by Lama Gangchen World Peace Foundation, Italy.
As I know Jagannaathji, he is a friend to all from all walks of life. He has an enormous mastery in maintaining friendship amid sun and rain. A philanthropist, known also for charity, purity and service to humanity in many ways, he is also an expert in spiritual healings.
A person, who takes pain to maintain touch with most of his friends regularly, could only be believed if experienced. It may sound normally easy, but indeed, it is big to do so even one-sided. I would attribute this nature to his magnanimity along with a pure and generous mind that reflects in his personality and could be followed as a role model.
Decades before when I first met Dr Jagannath Patnaik, may be he was hardly 22–23 years old. It will not negate veracity if I mention here of an aura of involution that I did notice around him probably which cropped up to his being called a ‘Lord Pundit’ today.
Besides a long list of possessions and designations held, laurels earned and worldwide recognitions acclaimed as his CV reads, runs into pages. The most significant trait of his personality probably comes out of the divinity he radiates. An appearance of a yogi, lifestyle of a luxurious rich corporate, magically content even in any odd given living condition, a distinct balanced mind in pleasure and pathos evenly attributes him to a ‘sthitapragyan’, ‘sthira’. May this match and mismatch or appear enigmatic but certainly Dr Patnaaik is a relevant character in the service of mankind.