In the quiet villages of Jagatsinghpur district in Odisha, born a child on July 15, 1973—where life often unfolds amid hardship, uncertainty, and limited means—a remarkable story of compassion and service took shape. It is the story of Dr. Surendra Nath Mohapatra, a man whose journey from poverty to public life is not defined by personal success alone, but by a lifelong commitment to uplift the poor, the helpless, and the forgotten.
Dr. Mohapatra encountered deprivation at an early age. Hunger, lack of resources, and daily struggle were not distant realities but lived experiences. Yet these hardships did not harden him; they refined him. Even as a child, he was known for his kindness—sharing what little he had, standing beside those weaker than himself, and showing an instinctive empathy that distinguished him from others. Poverty became his teacher, instilling in him values of humility, responsibility, and compassion.
While poverty often breaks dreams, in Dr. Mohapatra’s life it strengthened resolve. Through perseverance and discipline, he pursued education against all odds, believing that knowledge was not merely a path to personal progress but a powerful instrument for social service. Every step forward carried the memory of those he left behind—farmers, laborers, widows, and children whose silent suffering demanded action rather than sympathy.
On 28 February 1993, he left Odisha for Mumbai in search of livelihood. Like countless migrants from the state, he arrived with limited means but unwavering determination. Mumbai tested him relentlessly. Starting his career as a stock broker, he worked hard to establish himself in a demanding and competitive environment. Every rupee he earned came from persistence and discipline—but his earnings were never for himself alone.
Even while building his life in Mumbai, his heart remained with the Pravasi Odia community. He emerged as a dependable support system for migrant workers facing medical emergencies, job losses, legal issues, and emotional isolation. Using his income from stock broking, he helped quietly and consistently, often ensuring dignity for people at moments when they felt most vulnerable.
The true depth of his compassion became evident during the devastating 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone. When Ersama and other parts of Jagatsinghpur district were reduced to ruins, Dr. Mohapatra could not remain a distant observer. Though physically far away, his conscience was firmly rooted in his homeland. He mobilized networks in Mumbai and helped arrange emergency relief funds for cyclone survivors, providing food, basic necessities, and hope to families who had lost everything. It was not a one-time act of generosity, but a natural extension of his lifelong sense of responsibility.
As he entered public life with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), these values found a broader platform. For Dr. Surendra Nath Mohapatra, politics was never about power—it was about people. He remained accessible, patient, and grounded, working to ensure that government welfare reached the poorest sections of society. His simplicity, humility, and empathy continued to reflect his roots, earning him trust across communities.
Former Chief Minister of Odisha and BJD Supremo Shri Naveen Patnaik has been the greatest source of inspiration for Dr. Surendra Nath Mohapatra. Joining the Biju Janata Dal was a defining decision in his life—one that expanded his ability to serve society. Under the guidance and blessings of Naveen Babu, he never looked back. Whether during cyclones, floods, the coronavirus pandemic, or any humanitarian crisis, Dr. Mohapatra stood firmly with the people. Guided by faith in Mahaprabhu Jagannath, he continues to serve selflessly, believing his true purpose is simply to help those in need.
Dr. Surendra Nath Mohapatra’s life is defined by selfless service without borders. Driven by compassion, he travelled to the Middle East in search of Pravasi Odias in crisis, standing beside them in their darkest moments. He extended unwavering support to cancer patients by helping them access free medical treatment. Joining hands with Dr. Ramakanta Panda, the world-renowned heart surgeon, he played a vital role in bringing patients back from suffering and near death. At the Asian Heart Institute, he has helped numerous heart patients and continues to do so with renewed strength and resolve, proving that true humanity lies in saving lives and restoring hope.
On the sacred occasion of Pravasi Odia Dibasa, from the blessed land of Mahaprabhu Jagannath and the visionary legacy of Biju Babu, the spirit of Odisha’s unity, service, and pride comes alive among Odias across the world. Dr. Surendra Nath Mohapatra is a proven organizer and unifying force among Odia people. In 1996, he organized one of the largest Pravasi Odia Dibasa celebrations in Mumbai, a landmark event that brought the Odia diaspora together with pride and purpose. The program was graced by former Chief Justice of India, Justice Ranganath Mishra, as the Chief Guest, and presided over in the august presence of Dr. Kanhika Tripathi and former Home Secretary Shri Gopal Chandra Tripathi, IAS along with other eminent dignitaries. This historic gathering reflected Dr. Mohapatra’s exceptional organizational ability and the deep trust he commands, enabling him to mobilize and unite a large number of Odias with credibility and confidence.
Dr. Surendra Nath Mohapatra’s life reminds us that one does not need to be physically present to serve one’s people; one only needs an unwavering sense of responsibility. Distance never separated him from Jagatsinghpur, because his heart never left home. His story is not just about success—it is about service, humanity, and an enduring commitment to the poor and helpless. What truly distinguishes Dr. Mohapatra is that success never distanced him from suffering. Despite recognition and responsibility, his heart remains anchored in the soil of Jagatsinghpur. He walks among the poor not with sympathy, but with understanding—because he has lived their pain.
The life of Dr. Surendra Nath Mohapatra stands as a powerful reminder that true greatness lies not in wealth or status, but in remaining humane in an inhumane world. His journey assures every poor child of Odisha that circumstances do not define destiny, and it reminds every leader that compassion is the strongest form of leadership.
In serving others selflessly throughout his lifetime, Dr. Mohapatra has become more than a public figure—he has become a symbol of hope, humanity, and enduring kindness.
