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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

How these investments will affect the development of state?

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.

What ails Orissa’s growth?

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.

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

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.

What according to you is the international image of Orissa?

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.