Adv. Bipin Ratha
Few come into our lives and leave footprints that last a lifetime. Dr Jagannath Patnaik is one such precious individual. His wisdom, graciousness, humility, selfless love, integrity and passion for life are inspiring. These virtues emanate from his deep spirituality, which undoubtedly is the driving force in his life. He is an individual who has embraced life purposefully and lives intentionally in fulfilling that purpose. This is evident in the vocation he has carved out for himself.
His remarkable work particularly in education development, which I have had the privilege of experiencing, is par excellence. Life has been gracious enough to allow him the joy of seeing many such people prosper. He pursues with great determination, his quest to transform the present educational system, that according to him, stifles joy, creativity and potential of the child, spewing out only a generation that is intellectually stagnant, spiritually lost and socially incompetent.
He has facilitated change by advocating in and consulting for several schools, colleges, institutions and universities around the country to set up an educational platform that honours the joy of childhood and values of life.
I applaud his commitment, his persistence and his transformative leadership. There is no doubt that he will accomplish all that he has set out to do. He will walk the hall of fame in his lifetime and will do so unassumingly. He will continue to grace every life he encounters with the sweetness of his spirit and utmost love. I am honoured that I have a privilege of knowing him now as a fellow pilgrim, a brother, a role model, a mentor and most importantly as my friend!