Mr Anurag Batra
Chairman, Business World Group
My observations about Dr Patnaaik are based on many years of my personal friendship with him. I see his life as God’s creative artistry blending wisdom, discipline, compassion, courage and dignity into a distinctive beauty. His life is rich in study, experience and human relationship. Yet, in many ways, he is now defined in two ways, viz., an educationist par excellence and a spiritual guru, popularly known as the ‘Lord Pundit.’
Curiosity is the key to learning and application. Dr Patnaaik has the vision to be a curious leader. Having started in a spiritual environment around Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and learning the guru-like traits from him, academics and institution building came naturally to him. He has proved himself as a successful educationalist. Having built institutions that have changed the course of lives of many students, he carries on the mission that he embarked on more than 28 years ago. While he has established the Kalinga University in Raipur, his horizons are set on even bigger goals. Dr Patnaaik is a man who lends a new meaning to change and reinvention. His unusual journey to where he is today has made him witness to and experience such unique concepts, ideas, people, places and philosophies that he feels compelled to share it with all those striving to accomplish something special in their life.
A line worthy of mention here is that any man whose spouse and parents co-exist together under the same roof has to possess special talent. Dr Jagannath Patnaik has that equanimity.
I think we are wise enough to realize that Dr Patnaaik works in a reflection of the social and historical context in which he lives. Regardless, we are lucky to have an invaluable resource like this compilation that provides endless reflections into his life.