BHUBANESHWAR: Durga Charan Mishra, who passed away in Bhubaneswar on January 13, was more than just a civil engineer who built edifices for Odisha Police. He dedicated his life to the river, nature, and spirituality. He was a spiritual seeker and tireless champion of the historic Prachi River. His spiritual journey followed the course of the Prachi Valley.Born on May 2, 1965, Durga, as we called him, studied at Kakatpur High School, Ravenshaw College, and Bhubanananda Orissa School of Engineering, Cuttack. He later qualified as an AMIE from the Institution of Engineers and pursued further education at KIIT University. Known for his sobriety, discipline, and respectful demeanour since school days, he carried these qualities seamlessly into his professional, personal, and social life.He joined the Odisha State Police Housing & Welfare Corporation (OPHWC) in 1989 and served the organisation with distinction for over 36 years, rising to the rank of superintending engineer. Respected for his professional integrity and technical acumen, he played a key role in the construction of several important projects for police personnel. The notable among them is the award-winning, elegant Police Commissioner’s building in Bhubaneswar. Durga was in charge of its structure when it was being built in 2009-2010.Beyond engineering, Durga was deeply drawn to spiritual inquiry. A committed spiritual thinker, he believed in knowing oneself and others through meditation. He continued his quest for insight cultivation based on the purification of mind and body. Inspired by the teachings of Gautam Buddha, he believed that true realisation arises through meditation and must be practised in everyday life, helping to mitigate sorrow and suffering. He was guided by Bhante Ananda Bodhi of Prajna Foundation at Badajharilo village situated on the bank of the river Prachi.A gifted spiritual communicator, Durga translated his learning into words. He authored two books – Manisha Dehe Dibya Gyana (that won an award) and Adhyatmara Labha. He wrote regularly for Odia newspapers and journals. He was the editor of the quarterly spiritual magazine, Jeevan Sourav, published by Prajna Foundation. His stature as a spiritual writer got a boost when he contributed a few pieces to the widely-read ‘Speaking Tree’ column in The Times of India. Equally significant were his acts of kindness for the needy. From his own salary, he quietly supported some poor and needy students and assisted the elderly and residents of old-age homes in Kakatpur, Bhubaneswar, Balasore, and Soro. “Helping others is a man’s duty,’’ he had once said, insightfully. Perhaps his most enduring public legacy lies in his role as a campaigner for the rejuvenation of the Prachi River. Deeply aware of the historical and cultural significance of the river – believed to be over 1,000 years older than the Ganga – Durga worked tirelessly to revive it. Under the banner of Prachi Sanskrutika Samiti, he organised annual ‘Prachi Parikrama’, facilitated meetings of sadhus and saints, arranged community meals, and raised environmental awareness over the past 12 years. His sustained campaign and aggressive persuasion paved the way for the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the Odisha government for the river’s rejuvenation at a cost of Rs 298 crore in 2021. The Prachi rejuvenation campaign had also received active support from Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi in 2022. Durga’s efforts were widely covered in newspapers over the years, helping bring the Prachi River back into public consciousness.Durga lived a life anchored in purpose. His life was a rare confluence of professional excellence, deep spirituality, environmental commitment, and quiet compassion for the needy. He was born on the bank of Prachi, he groomed himself in his spiritual journey on its bank, and worked for the resurrection of the river. He cultivated equanimity, demonstrated sagacity, and practised humanitarianism. He will be remembered for the lives he touched during his lifespan and the values he embodied.
