I lost my very close friend, Dr. Jagannath Mohapatra, on June 14th, 2023. He was a well-known physician who dedicated his life to treating thousands of impoverished patients over several decades. Unfortunately, he succumbed to several health complications.
Dr. Jagannath Mohapatra, a doctor by profession, served as the last chairman of the Bhubaneswar Municipality in 1997, before it became the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation in 2000. He was also the Vice President of the All India Mayors Association. Additionally, he was actively involved with the Puja Committee of Saheed Nagar, organizing events such as Ravanpodi in Bhubaneswar and grand immersion processions for the city’s deities, accompanied by fireworks and elephants.
Born on January 14, 1939, in Karata Sasan, Cuttack, Dr. Mohapatra was known for his philanthropy and political involvement. He joined the Congress party and dedicated several years to party activities. Throughout his career, he served at various hospitals, including Capital Hospital in the city. He even founded Jagannath Hospital in Saheed Nagar, a multi-disciplinary medical facility with a special focus on children’s treatment.
Former chairman of the Bhubaneswar Municipality, Dr. Jagannath Mohapatra, passed away at his residence in Bhubaneswar on June 14th, 2023. He was 84 years old and had been suffering from prolonged health issues. He played a crucial role in the transformation of Bhubaneswar Municipality into a Municipal Corporation and became the first non-elected Mayor after its formation in 2000. Dr. Mohapatra was not only a respected doctor but also a well-known philanthropist and politician.
Dr. Mohapatra tirelessly provided free medical care to the underprivileged and founded the Jagannath Hospital in Sahid Nagar. He actively participated in the Sahid Nagar Puja committee as well. His last rites were performed at the Satya Nagar crematorium in Bhubaneswar.
He is survived by his wife, Sanghamitra Misra, a retired Professor of Odia from Utkal University and a renowned literary critic and writer. His only son, Dr. Abinash, is a dental surgeon, and his daughter, Mama, is an educationist.
Dr. Jagannath, fondly known as “Jaga Daktar” to me, had a close relationship with many media persons in Bhubaneswar and was considered a family physician by senior journalists such as Swarup Jena, Nagen Beuria, Rama Krushna Behera, Rabi Narayan Mohanty, R.P. Bagchi, and Rabi Das. He was practically a member of my family due to our strong bond.
During Kuni Bhai’s illness, after being brutally beaten by the police, I witnessed Dr. Jagannath’s sincere dedication as he treated Kuni Bhai (Swarup Jena). Unfortunately, Kuni Bhai couldn’t recover and passed away. Dr. Jagannath organized the transfer of his body to the Satyanagar crematorium, along with Jagadish Pani and a few family members. He provided unwavering support to Champak Bhauja and their minor sons, Dipu and Papu (Ananga and Arkadev). I saw him consoling Papu and Dipu during the rituals of “Mukhagni.”
As a student at S.C.B. Medical College, Dr. Jagannath actively participated in social and cultural activities. Many loved him for his skills as an actor in stage plays and films. He was always well-dressed, exuded charm, and took pride in his youthful appearance, never allowing gray hair or mustaches to be seen.
Dr. Jagannath provided free medical services to the poor, often distributing physician samples and treating everyone with a warm smile. He rarely missed any social functions and attended them all alongside his wife, Bhauja.
Understanding that many patients couldn’t consult renowned professors from S.C.B. Medical College in Cuttack and receive their specialized treatment, Dr. Jagannath played a crucial role in facilitating consultations, treatment, and surgery with senior professors such as Dr. Tejeswar Rao, Dr. Sukumar Das, and Sr. S.N. Tripathy at his clinic in Bhubaneswar.
Dr. Jagannath was associated with numerous socio-cultural organizations in Bhubaneswar, and the people of the capital city showed their appreciation by electing him as the Chairman of the Bhubaneswar Municipality. Under his leadership, significant development projects were undertaken, including the establishment of Bhawani Mall in Saheed Nagar. Chief Ministers like Biju Patnaik, Janaki Ballav Patnaik, Binayak Acharya, and Nandini Satpathy held him in high regard.
As a close friend, I witnessed Dr. Jagannath successfully guiding many drug addicts away from addiction. Like Lord Jagannath, he was a friend and well-wisher to those who were suffering. Sanghamitra Bhauja and their children provided immense support, enabling him to reach great heights.
In essence, Dr. Jagannath was a saint with a healing touch, bringing relief to hundreds and thousands of people. In recognition of his selfless service, the Media Foundation awarded him the Chandraprava Smruti Seva Samman in 2021. This award consisted of an exclusive image of Lord Jagannath in Sunavesa and a citation highlighting his dedication to serving the poor and downtrodden.
Though 84 years may not seem old for an experienced medical practitioner like Dr. Jagannath (my Jaga Daktar), his departure leaves behind thousands of grateful patients, well-wishers, and friends. At this time, I can only pray for Lord Jagannath to bless his noble soul and provide strength to Sanghamitra Bhauja and the family as they cope with this immense loss. May his soul rest in peace under the divine lotus feet of the Lord.