The esteemed Padma Charan Nayak, fondly known as Padababu, served as the president of Utkal Sammilani's Bhubaneswar Branch during my initiation into the organisation. Presently, he holds the position of advisor of Utkal Sammilani. Padababu, an avid reader of The Pioneer newspaper, has been a significant figure in our community.
In 2009, we commemorated his 84th birthday with great enthusiasm. Before the event, when seeking guidance on selecting a distinguished guest, Padababu promptly suggested Mr Chandan Mitra, the Editor of The Pioneer. Subsequently, Mr Mitra graciously attended as the chief guest for Padma Charana Nayak's 84th birthday function. I personally received Mr Mitra at the Bhubaneswar airport, and he joined me at the OUAT Conference Hall, where the birthday celebration was meticulously organised.
Upon the conclusion of the event, I inquired about Mr Mitra's transportation arrangements. To my surprise, he assured me that he had made prior arrangements. As we exited the conference hall, we encountered Mr Dharmendra Pradhan, the current Minister of Education of India, and Mr Mitra joined him.
Padma Charana Nayak has consistently exhibited a unique preference, never using flowers. He believes flowers should remain with the plants. As the advisor of Utkal Sammilani, he participates in garlanding ceremonies without involving flowers. Padababu always pays homage to statues of eminent personalities but refrains from using flowers for garlanding. In meetings, he rejects flower bouquets. Therefore, in his birthday functions, we abstain from using flowers.
A notable aspect of Padababu's character is his constructive thinking and adeptness at utilising items for multiple purposes. He holds great admiration for former Chief Minister Nabakrushna Choudhury. He authored a book on Nabakrushna Choudhury titled "ANIRBANA", which received the Sahitya Akademi Award. When a decision was made to install Mr Choudhury's statue in the Odisha Assembly premises, Padababu suggested placing it just outside the front gate. Due to his influence as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in 1961, the statue was ultimately installed according to his advice.
I questioned Padababu about this decision and he explained that Nabakrushna Choudhury wished to be remembered as a common man among the masses. By placing the statue outside the gate, both the Chief Minister and common citizens can participate in garlanding ceremonies.
At 99 years of age, Padma Charana Nayak remains independent of his family, residing at the Gopabanghu-Ramadevi Ashram at Bari. When in Bhubaneswar, he chooses to live in various locations, including Chandrasekharpur, Cuttack Road, Jharpada and Mahusudan Nagar. Currently, he resides at the MONA office, where he passionately opposes the use of liquor. It is an honour to be in proximity to him and to have the opportunity to collaborate with him on meaningful initiatives. I pray that he is granted at least another 20 years of health and vitality to continue serving the community.
(The writer is convenor, Padmacharan Nayak Abhinandan Samiti. Phone: 9938537600)