Dhrubaraj Naik: An academician rooted to mother Earth

Born to Late Hemsagar and Labanya Naik on 12th June 1938 at Kuanrmal of Jharasuguda district of Odisha, Professor Dhruba Raj Naik had his schooling in Jharsuguda and Sundargarh, and graduated from G.M. College, Sambalpur in 1960. Afterward he passed M.Sc.(Zoology) from Banaras Hindu University(BHU) with First Class. He was a Gold Medalist. He even obtained a Diploma in in an alien language i.e. German. He was felicitated with Ph.D degree by the same University in 1972. Dr. Naik entered the Odisha Education Service in 1962 and served as a Lecturer and then as a Reader till 1973. He joined the Post Graduate Department of Zoology of Utkal University as a Reader in 1973 and was appointed as Professor in 1984, a position which he held till his retirement in June 1998. He also served as the Head of the Department of Zoology during 1990-92, and as Programme Coordinator of UGC Special Assistance Programme (DRS) in Zoology from 1995-98.

Dr. Naik’s research interests were Cytophysiology and Immunohistochemistry of the Pituitary Gland from fish to mammals, and Localization of (then newly discovered) neuropeptides (having morphin-like action), such as Enkephalines and Endorphins in the brain of vertebrate animals. Considering the elegant research works, he was selected by the UGC in 1979 to undertake advanced training as a Visiting Scientist in the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA, under the Indo-US Exchange Programme (Fulbright-Hay Programme). In 1989 he was invited to join the Dept. of Anatomy, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokoyo, Japan, as a Visiting Professor under the Uehara Memorial Foundation Fellowship Programme.

This collaboration was very productive and continued till his retirement from the Utkal University in 1998. During his tenure as a researcher he delivered lectures on his research findings in reputed institutions in USA, UK and Japan as well as in International Symposia / Conferences. Ten Research Scholars were awarded Ph.D. and 12 M.Phil. degree under his guidance. His research papers were published in reputed national and international journals. As Convener, he organized several National and International conferences in the Utkal University. As President of the Utkal University Teachers’ Association, he organized a seminar on the “Structural Changes in the University System in Orissa” in which eminent educationists, educational administrators and journalists participated. The Proceedings of the Seminar is a valuable document for restructuring the University System in Odisha.

Since his student days Dr. Naik had excelled in NCC. As a Cadet Under Officer, he represented Orissa in the Delhi Republic Day Parade in 1960. After the Chinese aggression of India in 1963, he was trained as Civil Defense Instructor at the Institute of Civil Defence, Nagpur. As a Lecturer he brought laurels to Orissa by being adjudged as the Best Officer Cadet in the All India Training Course at the INS Venduruthy, Cohin, in 1965, and was commissioned as a Sub Lt. of the NCC Naval Wing.

Soon after his retirement in June 1998, Prof. Naik was appointed as Vice-Chancellor of Sambalpur University for three years and he completed his tenure in July 2001. His tenure is memorable for all-round development of the University, administrative firmness, and several important accomplishments.

Protection of University land:

Nearly thirty years after its foundation, Dr. Naik properly demarcated the University land, evicted the encroachers and constructed boundary wall for protection.

Reorganization of Examination System:

Streamlined the conduct of examinations, established a computer Unit for processing results and ensured expeditious publication within 60 days of the last examination.

Launching IT-related Courses:

BCA, PGDCA, PGDIT courses were launched under the Distance Education Mode in which nearly 1200 students enrolled throughout the State.

Resource generation:

By introducing Self-financing courses and by innovative management of the university examinations nearly Rupees. One Crore was generated per annum, which was used for infrastructural development.

Infrastructural Development:

At an estimated cost of more than Rupees 1.5 crore the Private Examination Building, Boundary Wall, Distance Education Building, P.G. Council Office, Students Home-cum-Canteen, and the IRPM Building at L.R. Law College campus were constructed.

Memorial of Gangadhar Meher:

A Life-size bronze statue of the ‘Born Poet’ was installed at the entrance of the University Campus. All major literary contributions of the great poet were translated into English and a book entitled ‘Gangadhar Meher : Selected Work’s was published by the University. His magnum opus ‘Tapaswinee’ was translated into Hindi and was also published by the University.

Promotion of Regional Language and Culture:

The Sambalpuri-Kosali language has a distinct identity of its own. In 2001, the Sambalpur University published the Ramayana (‘Ram Raha’, Hemchandra Acharya), Mahabharat (‘Mahabharat Katha, Nilamadhaba Panigrahi) and Grammar (‘Sambalpuri – Kosali Vyakarana’, Dr. Nilamadhab Panigrahi & Dr. P.K. Tripathy) in Sambalpuri-Kosali language. In 2014 the State Govt. has recommended the inclusion of the language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. In addition, a book entitled ‘Sambalpura Swadhinata Sangram’ (Freedom Struggle in Sambalpur) by Kumar Hasan, and ‘Kavita Parameswari’ by the eminent Odia poet Dr. Binod Chandra Naik was also published by the University. The last collection of poems by the same poet entitled ‘Ullanga Rudra’ was also published in 2002 by Dr. D.R. Naik in his personal capacity.

The road from villages to towns and cities is a ‘One-way-traffic’. Those who leave the greener pastures of their villages for the concrete jungles of the cities seldom ever look back. But Dr. Naik is an exception in this regard. He left his village when he was barely 8 years old. After completing his service career spanning over nearly four decades and ending as the Vice-Chancellor, Sambalpur University, he returned to his native village at the age of 63 years to embark on social service in and around his native village.

Dr. Naik’s village is located at the fringe of the Andhari forest under the Laikera and Kirmira Block of Jharsauguda district. It extends over an area of more than 1000 hectors and is surrounded by fifteen villages /hamlets. At the top of the Andhari hill is the seat of the presiding deity ‘Maa Andhari’. People of the area and far beyond have immense faith on Maa Andhari and have been worshiping her from time immemorial. Maa Andhari is also worshiped in the ‘Demul’ (Sacred Groove) of each village along with the ‘Gram Devi’ (Village Deity). 

Andhari was a dense forest and was an ideal habitat for a wide range of species of wild animals. However, due to indiscriminate felling of trees by 1980s, it had become badly denuded. Dr. Naik’s son, Late Er. Subrat Kumar Naik who was a social activist, initiated the conservation of the Andhari forest with community participation. 

Dr. Naik was the guiding spirit behind this movement. ‘Van Samrakshyan Samiti’ (VSS) was formed in each village and all the VSS were brought under one umbrella organization, the ‘Maa Andhari Van Surakhhya Samiti Mahasangha’ to oversee and coordinate the conservation of the entire Andhari forest. Each VSS has been assigned the adjoining area of the forest for protection. All families of the village in groups of three / four guard the forest area by turn. Villagers collect fire wood for their own use free of cost. But, for timber used for building / repair of houses and for making agricultural tools, they pay a nominal fee to the concerned VSS. They are also free to collect other forest produce, such as ‘Mahua’ flower and seed, ‘Sal’ seed, ‘Kendu’ leaf, “Bhuin Neem’ etc. to augment their income. Meetings of the Federation are regularly held in different villages by turn to ensure cooperation between VSS and settle disputes, if any. With the knowledge and assistance of the Forest Officials, periodic checks of all households in every village is done by volunteers drawn from all villages to make sure that there is no unauthorized cutting of trees. Such sustained efforts for more than two decades have resulted in the regeneration of the Andhari forest. It may be mentioned that the School of Life Sciences of the Sambalpur University has included the Andhari forest for study under their project on ‘Sacred Grooves’ funded by the Govt. of India.

The key to success for conservation of Andhari forest rests on the unity and cooperation of all the 15 villages surrounding it. The deep faith of the people of the area on Maa Andhari became instrumental for this. It was argued that the real service (Puja) to Maa Andhari would be the conservation of the forest. Therefore, in the year 1994 with the cooperation of all the 15 villages around the Andhari forest, the Maa Andhari Vandurga Puja was started. The puja is held on the eightheen day of the bright lunar fortnight of the month of Kartik. The idol of the Maa Andhari Vandurga is carried to the hill top (1400 ft. above sea level) in the morning and placed on the altar for worship. Nearly fifty thousand devotees climb the hill top for Darshan.

Traditional Durga Puja is performed in the night. The following morning the idol is brought to the Bazar Square of Pakelkhol- Kuanrmal for Darshan and a Mela (Yatra) follows. In the evening a meeting is held for generating awareness people regarding forest and wildlife conservation. School children stage conservation related plays written by Dr. Naik himself. In addition, a cycle rally sponsored by the District Environment Society, Jharsuguda, is organized on the occasion. Nearly 150 volunteers (school children, college girls and villagers) participate. Dr. Naik himself leads the rally on bicycle which goes round the Andhari forest touching all the 15 villages covering a distance of nearly 25 kms. The rally is intended to spread the message of forest conservation far and wide. Since 2012, a souvenir entitled “Andhari” is brought out on the occasion. Eminent experts contribute articles, poems and dramas related to conservation of forest, wild life and environment. School children are encouraged to contribute articles so as to motivate them towards environmental conservation and also to harness their literary talent. It is noteworthy that “Doordarshan” has produced and telecast a documentary film of 30 min. duration on the Maa Andhari Vandurga Puja of 2014.

Dr. Naik devoted himself to forest conservation far away from the glare of media publicity. Just as fragrance of a flower cannot be hidden, his silent works did not go unnoticed. Not only did it attract media attention, the District as well as the State administration also took note of Dr. Naik’s efforts. He was honoured at the District level Independence Day celebration of Jharsuguda in 2012. The Andhari VSS was chosen for the ‘Prakriti Mitra’ award on the occasion of World Environment Day, 2013. Considering his commitment and contributions to the cause of forest and wildlife conservation, he was appointed as the Honorary Wildlife Warden for the Jharsuguda district in 2012, and is continuing in the same capacity.

Jharsuguda is one of the most industrialized and badly polluted districts of the country. It is mandatory for industries and mines to create a ‘Green Belt’ in at least one third (33.3%) of their lease area. Although targets are set and compliance reports received, the ground reality is seldom assessed. Therefore, the District Environment Society, Jharsuguda, with the Collector as its Chairman, constituted a Plantation Monitoring Committee in 2013 under the leadership of Dr. Naik.

Representatives of Forest, Revenue and Horticulture Depts., the State Population Control Board, and the District Eco-Club Coordination Committee constitute the Plantation Monitoring Committee. Generally the committee inspects the industrial premises thrice a year before , during and after the plantation season. Such rigorous monitoring has started showing results. This is an example for other districts to emulate.

Even at this late age of 77, Dr. Naik earns his livelihood as a progressive farmer. He does not hesitate to do any kind of manual works along with the farm labourers. He ploughs land, irrigates vegetable garden by water lifting cranes, tends and milks cows himself, educates and demonstrates Integrated Fish Farming to motivate rural fish farmers. For this, he was honoured with the ‘Kruti Krushak Samman’ at the State Level Agricultural Fare in 2012. He was also the Project Director for the implementation of the BGREI (Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India) programme in 2012 for the Laikera Block of Jharsuguda district.

‘Doordarshan’ has produced and telecast a documentary film of one-hour duration depicting the life and works of Dr. Naik.

Born on 12th June 1938 at Kuanrmal of Jharasuguda district of Odisha, Professor Dhruba Raj Naik passed the M.Sc. Zoology examination of the Banaras Hindu University in 1962 in FIRST CLASS and was awarded the coveted BHU prize for standing FIRST (Gold Medalist) in the class. He obtained a Diploma in German Language in 1969 and was awarded Ph.D degree by the same University in 1972. Dr. Naik entered the Odisha Education Service in 1962 and served as a Lecturer and then as a Reader till 1973. He joined the Post Graduate Department of Zoology of Utkal University as a Reader in 1973 and was appointed as Professor in 1984, a position which he held till his retirement in June 1998. He also served as the Head of the Department of Zoology during 1990-92, and as Programme Coordinator of UGC Special Assistance Progarmme (DRS) in Zoology from 1995-98.

Dr. Naik’s research interests were Cytophysiology and Immunohistochemistry of the Pituitary Gland from fish to mammals, and Localization of (then newly discovered) neuropeptides (having morphin-like action), such as Enkephalines and Endorphins in the brain of vertebrate animals. Considering the elegant research works, he was selected by the UGC in 1979 to undertake advanced training as a Visiting Scientist in the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA, under the Indo-US Exchange Programme (Fulbright-Hay Programme). In 1989 he was invited to join

the Dept. of Anatomy, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokoyo, Japan, as a Visiting Professor under the Uehara Memorial Foundation Fellowship Programme. Ten Research Scholars were awarded Ph.D. and 12 M.Phil. degree under his guidance. His research papers were published in reputed national and international journals.

Since his student days Dr. Naik had excelled in NCC. As a Cadet Under Officer, he represented Orissa in the Delhi Republic Day Parade in 1960 and was commissioned as a Sub Lt. of the NCC Naval Wing in 1965.

Prof. Naik was Vice Chancellor of Sambalpur University (1998-2001) and during his tenure there was alround development of the University, the most important ones being, (a) Translation of the major literary works of ‘Swabhaba Kabi’ Gangadhar Meher into English (“Gangadhar Meher: Selected Works”, 2001); (b) Demarcation of the University land, eviction of encroachments and construction of boundary wall forprotection of the University Campus; (c) Publication of Ramayana (‘Ramraha’), Mahabharat (Mahabharat Katha), and Grammar (‘Sambalpuri-Kosali Vyakarana’) for promotion of the Sambalpuri-Kosali language. That the State Govt., in 2014, recommended the inclusion of the Sambalpuri Koshali Language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution is a testimony of Prof. Naik’s contributions to this cause.

After completion of the service career ending as Vice-Chancellor of Sambalpur University, Prof. Naik returned to his native village to lead a Gandhian way of life which was a trendsetter. He was awarded ‘Kruti Krushak Samman’ by Govt. of Odisha in 2012.

Conservation of the local Andhari Forest (Jharsuguda District) and motivating school children and rural people for the same cause is the most outstanding contribution of the ‘Final Innings’ of Prof. Naik’s life. He has been awarded ‘Prakruti Mitra Award’ by the Govt. of Odisha for this contribution. The Publication of ‘Andhari Bhagabat’ (2016) and ‘Andhari Chintaru Dharitri Chinta’ (2017) is a testimony of the dedication to Environmental conservation, one of the burning problems for the mankind at present. Inclusion of the conservation of the Andhari forest with people’s participation as a State level Case Study in the +2 Science Textbook of the CHSE, Odisha, along with the ‘Chipko Movement’ (National Level Case Study) is a tribute to the Andhari conservation movement led by Prof. Naik.

Prof. Naik has been honoured with ‘Gangadhar Saraswata Samman – 2004’ by the Barpali Sahitya Parishad, Odisha, and by the Indian Cultural Cooperation and Friedship Society, Odisha, and Odisha Sahitya Academy in 2012 for translation and publication of the major literary works of Gangadhar Meher in English (Gangadhar Meher: Selected Works, 2001). He has been conferred with the ‘Bharat Nirman Samman’ for his commendable contributions in the field of education (Bharat Nirman, Jana Soochana Abhiyan, 2011, Ministry of I & B, Bhubaneswar). Felicitation of Prof. Naik as a Senior Scientist by the Odisha Bigyan Academy in 2017 is a recognition of his lifetime contributions to Science, Environmental Conservation and Social Service in the final innings of his life.

‘Doordarshan’ has produced and telecasted a documentary film (“Annya Eka Dhruba Tara”) of one-hour duration depicting the life and works of Prof. Naik.

In Sanskrit dhruva nakshatra means is the star that appears bright in any dark night. When compass was not yet invented the boats were sailing in the ocean locating the position of Dhruva naxatra.  So is our Ex-Vice Chancellor Dhruba Raj Naik who despite being retired from job he is radiating light and positive vibes to the society.

  

Important Accomplishments

 Feliciated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha in June    2017 as a Senior Scientist under the auspices of the            Odisha Vigyana Academy for lifetime contributions (2014).

 After completion of the service career ending as Vice-    Chancellor of Sambalpur University, return to the native village to lead a Gandhian way of life was a trend setter.

’Awarded Kruti Krushak Samman’ by Govt. of Odisha 2012.

 Conservation of the local Andhari Forest (Jharsuguda District) and motivating school children and rural people for the same cause in the most outstanding contribution of the ‘Final Innings’ of life.

 The Publication of ‘Andhari Bhagabat’ (2016) and ‘Andhari Chintaru Dharitri Chinta’ (2017) is a testimony of the dedication to Environmental conservation, one of the burning problems for the mankind at present.

 Inclusion of the conservation of the Andhari forest with people’s participation as a State level case study in the +2 Science Textbook of the CHSE, Odisha, along with the ‘Chipko Movement’ (National Level Case Study) is a tribute to the Andhari conservation movement.

 Consulting Editor for preparation of Jahrsuguda District Gazetteer 2016.

 All-round development of the Sambalpur University during the tenure as Vice-Chancellor (1998-2001), the most important ones being.

a. Translation of the major literary works of ‘Swabhaba Kabi’ Gangadhar Meher into English, “Gangadhar Meher: Selected Works” (2001).

b. Publication of Ramayana (‘Ramraha’), Mahabharat (Mahabharat Katha), and Grammar (‘Sambalpuri-Kosali Vyakarana’) for promotion of the Sambalpuri-Kosali language.

c. Demarcation of the University land, eviction of encroachments and construction of boundary wall for protection of the University Campus.

 Served as Professor of Zoology, Head of the Dept. of Zoology, Co-ordinator of the UGC Departmental Research Support (DRS) Programme of the Utkal University between 1984-1998.

 Worked as Visiting Scientist (1979-80) in the Dept. of Anatomy, University of North Carolina, Chapelhill, USA and as Visiting Professor (1989-90) in the Department of Anatomy, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo.

 Results of research work on the Pituitary gland and Brain published in reputed international journals, such as American Journal of Anatomy, Journal of Endocrinology, Cell and Tissue Research, Journal of Comparative Neurology, General and Comparative Endocrinology, Histochemistry, Anatomy and Embryology, Acta Zoolozica etc. with high citation index.

 First Class Hons. In Diploma in German Language from Banaras Hindu University in 1969.

 Commissioned as Sub Lt. of NCC (Naval Wing) at INS Venduruthy, Cochin, in

1965 and was adjudged as the best Officer Cadet of the course.

 Trained as ‘Civil Defense Instructor’ at the Central Emergency Relief Training Institute, Nagpur, in 1963.

 First Class First (Gold Medalist) in M.Sc. Zoology examination of the Banaras Hindu University in 1962.

 As Cadet Under Officer of NCC, represented Odisha in Delhi Republic Day Parade in 1960.

Dr. Naik has been honoured by several institutions and organizations for his contributions to the society ...

 Gangadhar Saraswat Samman 2004 by Gangadhar Sahitya Parishad, Barpali for dissemination of the literary contributions of Gangadhar Meher beyond the confines of the Odia language and literature, and for installing a life-size bronze statue of the poet in the University Campus.

 Honoured by Hirakhand Nagarik Parishad, Sambalpur in 2008 for his contributions towards all round development of Sambalpur University.

 Hemachandra Samman 2010 by Sambalpuri Sahitya Parishad, Bargarh, for his contributions for promotion of Sambalpuri-Koshali language.

 SETU Samman 2011 – Awarded by the Society for Education Tradition and Unity on the occasion of 13th Sambalpur Pustak Mela for all round development of Sambalpur University and for environmental conservation.

 Bharat Nirman Samman 2011: Awarded by the Press Information Bureau, Govt. of India, for contributions in the field of Education and Environmental Conservation.

 Jharsuguda Samman 2012: Awarded by the Varistha Nagarik Sangha, Jharsuguda, for his contributions in the field of Education and Forest Conservation.

 Honoured by the Jharsuguda District Administration on the occasion of the Independence Day celebration, 2012, for his contributions in Forest Conservation.

 Kruti Krushak Samman 2012: By the Odisha State Govt. for integrated Fish Farming.

 Prakruti Mitra Award 2012-13: By the Dept. of Forests and Environment, Govt. of Odisha for his contributions for the conservation of the Andhari forest in Laikera and Kirmira Block of Jharsuguda District.

 Honoured by the Indian Cultural Cooperation and Friendship Society, Odisha and the Odisha Sahitya Academi on the occasion of the 150th Birth Anniversary of the eminent Odia poet Gangadhar Meher, held at Sambalpur in 2012.

 Honoured by the Govt. Women’s College, Sambalpur, on the occasion of their 54^th Foundation Day Celebration 2013, for his life time achievements.

 Life time achievement award by “Mathakhai Mahotsav Committee” and “Bhumika” Balangir 2016, for Education and Forest Conservation.

 “Yuga Bashistha Puraskar, 2016” by Ramanath Mishra Foundation, Raksimunda, Balangir, for Education and Forest Conservation.

 Felicitation by Jharsuguda District Administration on the occasion of Republic Day Celebration 2016, for Education and Forest Conservation.

 Consulting Editor for Jharsuguda District Gazetteer 2016.

To sum up Dr. Naik’s life sketch: Hailing from a completely rural background, ploughing land and driving bullock cart as a child, he went on to become a Gold Medalist of the Banaras Hindu University. Scaling the hierarchy of the university system, he occupied the top most position of the Vice-Chancellor, which, in itself, is a creditable achievement. Having played a successful innings as a university teacher and Vice-Chancellor, he returned to his native village to live like a recluse among his people. Again he ploughs land, irrigates vegetable garden by manual water lifting crane, does all sorts of manual works with the labourers, tends and milks cows himself. All these are rare things for a Former Vice-Chancellor. One is reminded of the forgotten Gandhian ways of life. To top it all, even in his late 70s, he has dedicated himself with a single minded devotion for the conversation of the Andhari forest. He does everything possible to spread the message of forest conservation among village folks, sharing food with them in the jungle, cycling around the Andhari forest along with school children, college girls and villagers. All these sound incredible. He says, his motto is to ‘Drink life to its brim’ utilizing all his time and energy for the welfare of the society as long as he is able to be on his feet.

Find here the link of present Vice Chancellor professor Deepak Kumar Behera

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