C. Mohanty's blog

C. Mohanty

                  Fond Memories of  My Friend Prafulla

 

On the first death anniversary during December 2015,of my bosom friend, late Prafulla Chandra Misra, I continue to register a kaleidoscopic view of his lovable, happy- go- lucky and interesting personality. Even in his death, he will have a very special place in hearts of many besides his near and dear ones. He was a great scholar, an able administrator, a good friend to the needy & poor, an epitome of broad outlook on social issues, a lover of good music and, holder of a very special corner f or his wife and children. His retirement, after achieving the top position in the Assam Meghalaya Cadre of Indian Administrative Service (I.A.S), had left behind a void in that administration. Even today, his erstwhile colleagues as well as  juniors  treasure many moments of happy association and fond memories of 'Tambul' chewing "Prafulla Babu".

 

I first met Prafulla (nick name 'Bouni') in the year 1953. Both of us, after our Matriculation, had joined 1st year of Intermediate Science (I.Sc) in the famous Ravenshaw College - now known as Ravenshaw University. His schooling he has done in 'Ranihat High School' which was near his house - the official quarter of his illustrious father Dr. Brahmanand Mishra who happened to be the Professor & Head of Physics Department of Ravenshaw College. During our I.Sc days, he had his own circle of friends of school days & I had mine. During that time we had only formal acquaintance.

 

After passing our I.Sc examination, both of us went to the University of Allahabad and took admission in B. Sc during the year 1955. Since that year we developed intimate friendship which withstood the test of time till he left this mortal world. Though initially I stayed at PCB hostel of the University, subsequently I moved to reside with him in a rented house where Dr. Tribikram Pati was also a resident. Both of us used to have our main meals at the house prepared by our cook. For snacks, we used to visit the "University Café" owned by a close friend of Dr. Pati. This café was famous for serious discussions about studies, university politics and some lighter items by many students of the university. Its location was on the University Road - hardly a furlong away from the campus. Those days were unforgettable.

 

As Prafulla was a brilliant student, he got the top position in B. Sc. breaking all the previous records of the University. Similarly, he broke the previous records of the University in M. Sc. Mathematics. He was basically a shy person; did not have anything to do with extra-curricular activities. I was just his opposite; I wholeheartedly participated in games, debates etc conducted by the University & affiliated institutions. My joining of M.A. (Economics), after my graduation in science, helped me to become an all-rounder and, as a bonus, I also got a position in the 'Merit List' of the University for Post-graduate Degree in Economics. In spite of my changing from science stream to arts, our deep friendship & understanding continued as usual.

 

 

After leaving Allahabad he joined Ravenshaw College as a lecturer in Mathematics. At this time he found his lady love and got married to her. Bhabiji was the daughter of a famous Professor (of medicine).All through Prafulla's life, she was his vital source of strength & inspiration. During his days as lecturer, he prepared for the Civil Service Examination and finally got selected for the coveted I. A. S. He was allotted Assam Meghalaya Cadre.

 

A very sincere & daring officer, for unbiased discharge of his official duties, he listened to none - including the political bosses. He was very popular with the public and was loved and respected by his colleagues and juniors. During his service career, he had two short deputations - one with the Central Government at New Delhi and the other at Bhubaneswar with the Orissa government. His efficient working methods left their mark at both the places of deputation. After a long gap - may be 6 to 7 years, I met Prafulla at Delhi. Then, several times, I also met him at Bhubaneswar where I was posted as Regional Manager of FCI. We had then renewed our old contacts and memories. Subsequently, when I became the Managing Director of Paradeep Phosphates Ltd, (PPL was then a Joint Venture of Governments of India & Nauru), we used to meet often at New Delhi; he used to come there for his meetings with GOI officials almost every month.

 

During service careers, both of us used to be very busy. But there was always time for keeping our contacts. This also continued when both retired and settled at Bhubaneswar.

 

He was very fond of his Bhubaneswar house. Many rare varieties of plants and trees could be found in the compound and in "gamalas' at sides of the driveway as well as on roof top. He personally used to attend to each of the plants/trees with the same love and affection that he gave to his children.

 

He had very well adjusted to his retired life and used to be content in many ways. He no longer chewed "Tambul" and devoted his entire time to the family. Himself a religious soul - let his soul remain in eternal peace in the Abode of Jagannath.

 

 

                                         Jaya Jagannath