Debi Prasad Mohapatra

Debi Prasad Mohapatra

My best friend, philosopher and guide.

I am most fortunate person on earth to have a friend like Dr. Debi Prasad Mohapatra. I thank Lord Jagannath everyday for this precious gift. May we remain best friends forever till our last breadth. I wish he will be best friend for all generations of my life. I am being selfish but I truly wish this from core of my heart.

I met Debi for the first time during Bachelors Degree admission at BJB Autonomous College, Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 16th July 2004. I remember the date as this date marks our friendship day. We celebrate it every year without fail. It was friendship at first sight. I felt he is my another brother from same mother. 

Dr. Debi Prasad Mohapatra is born genius, simple, honest, sincere, down to earth, hardworking, charismatic personality. Words in dictionary will fail to describe him. He is too good person. I feel very happy at sight of him and wish to spend most of the time with him as I learn from him every moment.

Our friendship was very famous in our batch at BJB Autonomous College, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. We both were from same Economics Honours, which gave both us to spend most time with each other. Roll no 1 and Roll No. 21 jodi was very popular and our friends used to call us Debi-Pradeep. Summer of 2004 - those were best days of my life and I treasure each and every moment.

Though I was a good student both at school and junior college level, interaction with Debi gave new perspective to my life. I discovered purpose of my life after constant interaction with him. We were ahead of our times. We used to prepare for competitive exams of Post Graduation course of reputed institutions like Indian Statistical Institute Kolkata, Delhi School of Economics, Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi, Madras School of Economics, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research Mumbai and Central University of Hyderabad. We cleared all these entrance exams and got admitted to ISI, Kolkata and HCU.

We used to talk about different developmental issues and challenges like poverty, unemployment, inequality, inflation, violence etc. Discussion used to be rich and used to continue for hours and hours. There was no hesitation and restriction in expressing each others point of view. We used to disagree on some points but that made our friendship more stronger. Difference of opinion doesnot weaken friendship rather it enriches bonding. It is said that friendship is happy coincidence when both feel the same for each other.

We used to participate in Debate, Quiz, Essay Writing competitions and used to win prizes for our college. We travelled to different places together for writing entrance exam. We used to go on college picnic and study tours. I never missed any opportunity to be with him and learn from him. He is truly guide of my life.

Both the families also share same bonding. Debi is Favorite in our house. My mother and sister become very happy to see Debi every time and same was with me in his house. family bonding added new dimension to our friendship.

After Masters, we got golden opportunity to stay together for over one year at Hyderabad. We used to cook for each other. We used to spend sleepless night is watching movies and chit-chatting with each other. All these strengthened our bonding. We hope it will continue forever.