Bhubaneswar: Shivram Mahapatra ji was known for his calm nature and simplicity. He was soft-spoken, yet he possessed immense strength. Throughout his life, he undertook significant responsibilities, such as serving as the Prant Sanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. His life exemplified what it means to be a true swayamsevak, making him an ideal figure in this regard. Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, the Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, expressed these sentiments while addressing a condolence meeting held in memory of Odisha’s former Prant Sanghchalak Shivram Mahapatra at Jayadev Bhavan in Bhubaneswar.
Dr Bhagwat stated, “A swayamsevak of the Sangh pledges to commit to carrying out the work of the Sangh with authenticity, selflessness, and dedication of his body, mind, and wealth. These words were penned by Dr. Ji himself, and Guruji noted that they were written at a distinct spiritual level. When we speak of authenticity, selflessness, and the dedication of one’s resources, we can undoubtedly look to Shivram ji as a prime example. His life was outwardly calm, yet it was filled with profound emotions, serving as a true model for us all.”
Dr Bhagwat further emphasised, “RSS swayamsevaks live as ordinary individuals among the people, yet through their community-building nature, affection, and sense of duty, they connect the entire samaj.” He added that many swayamsevaks, like the late Shivram Mahapatra, have set this standard through their lives.
Dr Bhagwat remarked that the conduct of the late Shivram Mahapatra serves as an example for all. His approach to work has been inspirational, founded on the principle of loving without attachment. People worked for the Sangh by embracing the path of unity, with his commitment focused on building an ideal samaj and family. He was motivated to promote social harmony that includes all sections of society.
The condolence meeting was presided over by Odisha (East) Prant Sanghchalak Sameer Kumar Mohanty and coordinated by Prant Karyavah Dr Anil Kumar Mishra. Other attendees included KshetraSanghchalak Dr. Jayant Rai Chowdhury, Sah-prant Sanghchalak Mansukhlal Sethia, and Bhubaneswar Nagar Sanghchalak Srinivas Manasingh.
Notable attendees who paid tribute to the late Shivram Mahapatra included former Kshetriya pracharak pramukh Prasanna Kumar Mishra, KshetraKaryavah Durga Prasad Sahu, Akhil Bharatiya Sadbhabana pramukh Dr Gopal Prasad Mahapatra, and former Prant Sanghchalak E. Ashok Kumar Das.
On this occasion, Odisha (East) Prant Sanghchalak Sameer Kumar Mohanty shared his experience of meeting Shivram Mahapatra in 1978. He was drawn to Mahapatra’s simple nature and the values expressed in his words, which attracted him and many other karyakartas. Kshetriya Pracharak Pramukh Prasanna Kumar Mishra noted that Shivram Mahapatra was well-known in the Brahmapur region for his literary contributions, which helped draw the people of Brahmapur towards the Sangh after he joined. He remained a devoted karyakarta of the Sangh throughout his life.
Kshetra Karyavah Durga Prasad Sahu remarked, “One must have unshakable faith in the core principles of devotion,” adding, “Whatever work we do, it must be dedicated to Bharat Mata.” With such thoughts, the late Mahapatra inspired many swayamsevaks.
Dr Gopal Prasad Mahapatra, Akhil Bharatiya Sadbhabana Pramukh, described him as an ideal grihasth, affectionately referred to as “Bada Bhaina” (elder brother) by everyone. Similarly, within the Sangh, he took on the role of a guiding elder brother. Former Utkal Prant Sanghchalak Ashok Das recalled fond moments spent with the late Mahapatra.ri
During the event, students from the Anant Balia Vaidik Vidyapeeth in Telengapeth, Cuttack, recited Vedic hymns. Guests also released a commemorative memento in honour of Shivram Mahapatra.
The late Shivram Mahapatra, affectionately known as “Bada Bhaina,” was born on November 29, 1929, in Kumarangshasan, in the Bhanpur area of the undivided Puri district (now in Khurda district), to father Shridhar Mahapatra and mother Gauri Devi. Immersed in the sacred flow of religion, literature, art, and culture, and inspired by the mantra of nationalism, he dedicated himself to the service of Bharat Mata and actively participated in Sangh activities, conducting them with great efficiency.In the weekly magazine ‘Rashtradeep’, he contributed poems and essays, along with a well-received column named ‘Bartabilas.’
