Russian Revelation: Prof. Arun Mohanty

Orissa, the name itself creates myriad of emotions and mention of the name immediately creates a bond with him. He is learned, a globe trotter, a humanitarian, an internationalist but what he is proud of is that he is an Odiya both in identity and at heart. A Masters in Development Planning (Economics) from Moscow State University, a PhD from Russian Academy of Sciences and a two decade long teaching experience in Soviet Russia and then in Russia, he spent almost three decades there.. But by heart he remains an Indian and moreover an Oriya.

He is Prof. Arun Mohanty, now teaching at prestigious School of International Studies of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) at New Delhi. He is also the President of Orissa Sanskrutika Parishad (OSP), a cultural Association of Odiyas in JNU.

In an exclusive interview to Orissadiary Prof. Arun Mohanty talks to Rashmi Ranjan Parida & Kamala Kanta Dash, about his personal academic journey and shares his ideas on some of the critical issues of Orissa.

Orissadiary: Sir, tells us something about your family background?

Arun Mohanty: I was born in a lower middle class family near Kakatpur’s Patpur village of Puri district. My father Mr. Maydhar Mohanty was a teacher. We are two brothers. And my wife Namita Mohanty is a teacher like me.

Orissadiary: Where you completed your school and college education?

Arun Mohanty: completed my primary education in my village school. Then I moved to Puri Viswambar Bidyapith for secondary education. After this I studied at SCS College, Puri & then moved to Ravenshaw College, Cuttack.

Orissadiary: You had your higher education in Soviet Russia, What was your area of specialisation?

Arun Mohanty: Yes, after my college education I moved to Moscow for higher studies. I completed my PG in Development Planning (Economics) from Moscow State University. Then I completed my PhD from Russian Academy of Sciences.

Orissadiary: Why did you choose to move to Moscow for higher studies?

Arun Mohanty: As you know, India got the idea of Five-year planning from Soviet Union. So I had decided to learn development planning from there. Second thing was that during those time I was associated with the socialist student movement in Orissa. So Moscow as a destination to stay and study was more fascinating place for me.

Orissadiary: You had a longer stay in USSR and now the Russian Federation. When you came to India?

Arun Mohanty: I spent almost 30 years in Moscow. I just come to India 6 month back and now I am a faculty in the School of International Studies, JNU.

Orissadiary: During your stay in Russia you worked in various capacities and prestigious positions. How was the experience?

Arun Mohanty: Yes, I worked as lecturer, Asst. Prof. in Moscow State University. I also worked as an Associate in Institute of World Economy and International Relations. This institute is ranked as one of the best think tanks of Russia. Yes I also was a Prof. in University of Political Studies in Moscow. I am also a member of Russian Academy of Social Sciences.

Orissadiary: You were also a journalist in Moscow. How exciting was it? Do you see any quality change in the field of media now?

Arun Mohanty: Yes I was the first foreign correspondent in Moscow Radio. Then I was the head of the Oriya Division of Moscow Radio. I also worked in several Russian newspapers like Russian Courier and Missavie Maya and so on. The Contemporary Media is more globalised being armed with the latest technology.

Orissadiary: After a stint of three decade affair with Russia what really made to think of coming to India and more so to JNU?

Arun Mohanty: Simply I wanted to serve my country, since long time. Certainly when I got the opportunity to join JNU, I did not have to think twice.

Orissadiary: Oriyas are now in all parts of the world. What about the Oriyas in Russia particularly in Moscow?

Arun Mohanty: Nearly forty to fifty Oriya intellectuals are living there. And now nearly 100 Oriya students are pursuing their higher studies there.

It is a general perception that outbound Oriya intelligentsia is not concerned about their community and tend to project them as broadened assimilationists.

In Moscow though we have a small number of Oriyas, but are most active and organised Indian community in Moscow. Every year Utkal Divas is celebrated there. They have been very small but a very well neat community. Oriyas are the most vibrant Indian community in Russia. Celebration of many Oriya functions, there is a regular feature.

Orissadiary: At the backdrop of Pravasi Bharatiyas playing a major role in the country’s growth it is felt that like NRIs such as Bengalis, Punjabis and Gujaratis, Non- Resident Oriyas are far behind in matters of their role and contribution in the development of Orissa?

Arun Mohanty: Yes, certainly we are far behind them. Look at them, they earn money in a foreign country but they invest in their native places. So we should all use our expertise for the development of Orissa. But Orissa Government is yet to be pro-active to encourage Oriya community in abroad to participate in the development of Orissa. I have not seen or heard an Orissa Chief Minister or a Minister ever interacting with our Oriya community in their visit to foreign Country like Other states’ minister do. Our state Government never encourages the foreign based Oriyas to play an important role for the development of Orissa.

Orissadiary: What do you think Orissa needs to entertain bigger industrial houses?

Arun Mohanty: To entertain bigger industries one needs proper infrastructure and facilities that are conducive for the foreign investors. Orissa lacks behind in this sphere though some encouraging developments are there but a lot remains to do.

Orissadiary: How these investments will affect the development of state?

Arun Mohanty: All these investments if work properly can bring good result. But the contrary is also true. Development has to go hand in hand with justice and equity or else it would have disastrous effects both on nature and on society. The government has to be extra cautious and ensure that these investments bring in development but with a human face.

Orissadiary: What ails Orissa’s growth?

Arun Mohanty: A feudal mindset and an elitist bureaucracy and an unresponsive political class are the major reasons that create hurdle in the path of actual progress. Orissa needs an informed and committed political class. Bureaucracy’s attitude is another hurdle. Instead of facilitating the reach of development to the down level, they are seen as anti-people. Bureaucracy needs to be responsive and I hope Right to Information Act can bring some welcome changes in this line. Planning in Orissa is extremely either poor or inadequate. It needs vision. States have planning boards and experts and reputed economists as members. Best Oriyas are required to be attracted back to Orissa to assist the government in policy making. Orissa needs a Comprehensive Plan and a Long term Vision Document.

Orissadiary: What do you think should be done to develop Orissa as a front ranking state in the country?

Arun Mohanty: The government of Orissa needs to study the models of developed states in the country. It needs to balance between short term gains and long term objectives. It can not compromise on the aspects of education and health but at the same time employment opportunities are to be created. The government needs to take anti-corruption measures more stringently and promote honesty and efficiency. More and more young blood should be infused into politics and social service.

Orissadiary: What according to you is the international image of Orissa?

Arun Mohanty: Foreigners especially Europeans know Orissa as a land of Konark and Oddissi and very recently as an investment destination. Other than these they have no idea what else Orissa famous is for. It has happened because of virtually no effort on the part of government in promoting Orissa’s potentials.

Orissadiary: Do you think Orissa lacks somewhere in projecting herself within India and abroad?

Arun Mohanty: Orissa has not done enough to project herself positively to attract attention of the foreigners. Take the case of Goa and Kerala, they have aggressively pursued the policy of publicity and have projected as brand destinations in the country. Orissa needs to do something similar or even better.

Orissadiary: You have visited most of the famous destinations of the world. What do you think can be done to promote tourism sector?

Arun Mohanty: A lot can be done in this sector. The true potential has not been tapped. After visiting all famous beaches in the world I find Puri beach as one of the best in the world. As religious tourism is the new attraction, the government can project Bhubaneswar-Konark-Puri the Golden triangle as the Best Destination to experience culture, art and fall in love with the pristine nature. This only, will increase the tourist flow by thirty to forty thousand per year.

Orissadiary: What has been your experience in Russia in relation to Orissa’s reach? Are Russians interested in Orissa?

Arun Mohanty: Russians know about Konark, Oddissi and Jagannath and the rich mineral resources. In the Soviet era they were more interested but in post-Soviet era their attention has been inward looking, India has not been a preferred destination for them for the last decade. Recently this is slowly changing in India’s favour. Russians are nostalgic of their friendship and bond with India. India’s rising status in global scenario and central government’s effort to attract foreign attention is timely. Russians are mostly interested in Gift items like Chandua, filgree works and other Oriya handicrafts. .In my recent trip to Russia, I was simply amazed to find pictures of Lord Jagannath in the malls of Moscow. These are welcome signs and the government of Orissa has to capitalize.

Orissadiary: Any comment on Orissa politics?

Arun Mohanty: As we see now Orissa politics needs to be reinvigorated. Politicians need to behave responsibly and should be accountable to people. The state needs more trained and committed people who want power bring change in the life of people not in their own life. The Orissa lobby at Delhi is conspicuously lacking and weak. It is high time that Orissa takes bold steps both in the field of education, health and above all in good governance.

Orissadiary: Do you feel there is lack of effort from state government to change the mindset of Non-Resident-Oriyas?

Arun Mohanty: Yes it is. Earlier Odiyas were not enterprising but now the new generation they are very promising and enterprising. They always want to contribute in one way or the other for the development for Orissa. But the effort of state government is not up to the mark. So we are behind from other communities such as Gujratis etc. I should share this with you. The entrepreneurs from Russia and Southeast Asia are very much interested to invest in Orissa. They ask me what are the investment scenario and other details pertaining to overall socio-political-economic environment and so on in Orissa. But to be very frank I can guide them at my personal level. But the Government has to sent official representatives and organise seminars and so on to woo the NROs and foreign entrepreneurs to invest in our state.

Orissadiary: How do you think the Non Resident Oriyas can help in the development of the state?

Arun Mohanty: Non Residents Oriyas can be a very potent source of help in the matters of Orissa’s image building outside and as well as in the policy making. They can do wonders in providing feedback to policies as they are able to see the state from outside. Oriyas are doing extremely well outside. In academics there are some bright Oriya brains in Americas, in Europe, in Asia and almost everywhere. They should be made a part of the policy making and the government should involve them in matters of the state in such a way so that they develop an intellectual and emotional stake in the development of the state.

Orissadiary: How would you like to contribute to the cause of Orissa?

Arun Mohanty: Anything that I can do. By this I mean that as an academic, I am interested in Orissa’s development as a knowledge society. A knowledge society is a precursor to a knowledge economy. In this line I am ready to contribute in whatever capacity I can. It does not matter whether I work with the government or NGOs as long as their intention is noble and directed towards the development of the state.

Orissadiary: What is your message for Orissadiary?

Arun Mohanty: Orissadiary is doing a very good and noble work. I urge you to focus on the developmental aspects of the state and project Orissa’s potentials to one and all. I would suggest you to have an advisory board that suggests measures for development and analyse major issues in an impartial and academic manner. Concentrate on development journalism. I wish good luck.

« Previous interviews