Excellence in obscurity is better than mediocrity in the spotlight. A star is not honoured for its size but for its light.” The career of Santosh Kumar Mishra offers a glaring example in this regard. He first was a police officer and later was selected to the OAS cadre in 1995. Currently, he is ADM, Kalinganagar.
A creative short story writer, he has been widely published in various local magazines and journals. His short story collection “Sunya Sanklap”, released at the Rajdhani Pustak Mela, was sold like hot cakes.
He was awarded a PhD by the Chennai University for his thesis “Socio Economic Status of Migrant Labourers of Gajapati and Ganjam” and it was held in high esteemed in the UK. A Good Samaritan, Mishra is at his best during floods and cyclones reaching out to people in distress whether at Krushna Prasad of Puri or Jajpur during Covid.
He is no philistine and takes to acting for rediscovering his inner self besides entertaining the masses. He is hailed as a messenger of good governance everywhere he served. In an interview to The Pioneer, Mishra spoke to Sugyan Choudhury on the many aspects of the industrial life at Kalinganagar.
What about the law and order scenario at Kalinganagar?
Since inception of this ADM office, the law and order was quite grim due to growing industrialisation in the area and different issues of tribal people which eventually led to unrest in 2006. However, post reconciliation of the tribal issues, the situation is under control. The ADM post demands regular interaction with displaced families and the industrial units so that there is smooth conduct of day-to-day affairs.
What are the plans to contain the environmental pollution of Kalinganagar?
Eighteen large and medium industries, mostly iron and steel units, and two cement grinding industries exist in this area. As per the Pollution Control Board’s guidelines, all industries have installed ESP, bag filters. Dry fog-type water sprinkling system, water sprinklers have been installed at all raw material handling areas. Plantation has been made at the periphery of all industries as well avenue plantation.
Besides, online monitoring systems have been installed at all high-pollution industries with direct data transfer facility to SPCB and CPCB websites for public view. To measure the air quality of the area, regular monitoring is done by the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). Recently, the SPCB has imposed condition to all high-pollution industries to instal IP cameras in their premises and data transmission facility to SPCB and CPCB.
Officials check the covering of the material-transporting vehicles, PUC certificates of vehicles, etc., to curb pollution due to vehicular emission.All industries dispose their land disposable hazardous wastes at the Common Hazardous Waste Treatment Storage and Disposal Facility on a daily basis.
Could you please tell about your creative endeavour relating to your acting in films?
It was always in my mind to do something different other than my job and responsibilities where I can reach the heart of the society. It was obviously entertainment industry! Acting in good films not only elevated me personally, it also created a good environment in the society. Being an artist, I keep myself involved in the character of the film and I forget the real me. Acting in different roles in different films has given me a different taste of life.
What are the messages you want to convey to your readers in your short stories?
Writing of short stories is an art. Short stories depict the reality of day-to-day life happenings in the society. During this journey of my professional as well as acting life, I have come across different types of people and myriad circumstances. Though my profession demands to act in a certain way, the lives of people and their conditions have touched my heart immensely. My stories mostly dive deep into human values and the importance of holding onto one’s values even in this era of materialism and during trials and tribulations.
How do you combine your creative life with the busy schedule of an administrator?
Yes, my administrative job keeps me busy, but it’s my creativity which keeps me ever positive and lively in my job. It enhances my administrative capabilities. As a creative person, I am always a peaceful solution seeker even in situations which demand strong action. It’s my creative ability that has helped me sort out all demanding situations in Kalinganagar amicably despite the hue and cry by different sections.
Could you please tell us some of your memorable experiences in your life?
My initial life of service was something like a miracle to get an opportunity to work with the then Chief Minister legendary Biju Patnaik as I was attached to him as a police officer. I still cherish every moment of my life spent with the great leader.
I fondly remember a few of the incidents which touched my life and will remain as a memory. He was so common in his attitude and respected the feelings of others. During that tenure, APJ Abdul Kalam as the Defence Advisor to the then Prime Minister visited Odisha to meet Bijubabu.
I got a chance to accompany Kalamsaheb to the Utkal University. His words of wisdom of a bright India which he later penned down in “Ignited Minds” still ring in my ears. Even when he had visited Odisha as the President of India, I got a chance to be by his side and took his blessings. I am grateful to the Almighty for such rare opportunities conferred upon me.