Kalahandi, YNN (Rajat Bansal): Professor Sanjay Satapathy, the founding Vice-Chancellor of Maa Manikeswari University, Bhawanipatna, in Kalahandi district, passed away on Wednesday at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. Diagnosed with cancer in October, he had been undergoing treatment, and his untimely demise has left the academic community in profound grief.
An alumnus of Ravenshaw College, Professor Satapathy was an educationist by choice, committed to nurturing knowledge and shaping the potential of his students. His multi-faceted contributions to education, culture, and social development earned him deep respect. His passing is mourned by his wife, son, daughter, and countless colleagues and students whose lives he enriched.
Professor Satapathy’s academic journey was distinguished. He completed his Master’s in Commerce from Utkal University in 1983, followed by a Doctorate in Commerce, and went on to serve for over three decades at various esteemed institutions, including Ravenshaw University and Kalahandi University. His leadership and dedication to academia made him a guiding light in the field of education.
During his tenure as the Vice-Chancellor of Maa Manikeswari University, Professor Satapathy implemented several transformative initiatives. These included the “Earn While You Learn” programme, providing financial aid to economically disadvantaged students, and the “Student Faculty Programme,” designed to foster academic leadership. He also initiated the University-School Connect Programme in collaboration with the District Education Office of Kalahandi.
His efforts extended to the university’s infrastructure and ethos. He spearheaded the renovation of old buildings, organised plantation drives, and installed the national flag atop the university building, with daily renditions of ‘Vande Mataram’ to instil patriotism. He revived Odisha’s cultural heritage by adopting the indigenous *Habaspuri* weaving style as the official university uniform. Additionally, he established an eLibrary, a herbarium, and a telescope to promote scientific inquiry and student enrichment. Under his guidance, the university also hosted India’s first National Tribal Trekking Camp through the NCC.
Professor Satapathy’s exceptional contributions were recognised with prestigious awards, including the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Excellence Award, the Golden Aim Award for Excellence and Leadership in Education, and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Confederation of Indian Universities.
A prolific scholar, he authored 26 books, published over 100 literary works, and contributed 50+ research papers. His areas of expertise included tribal economy, disaster management, and sustainable development, and his research made a significant impact on these fields.
