Interview Times had a great opportunity to have a conversation with ADM of Kalinganagar Mr. Santosh Kumar Mishra. This is how the Interview went-
Sir, you are one of the most revered administrators in Jajpur District. Please tell us a bit about your childhood days and your growing up years.
My childhood was spent in my village-Badamba. My father was a teacher, so at home be had an atmosphere of studies and discipline.I was studious from the very childhood and excelled in my studies. I also took great interest and participated in extracurricular activities during my school and college days. I completed my graduation and Post-graduation from Utkal University, VaniVihar.
Did you always wanted to become an administrator or you had some other dreams?
I always had this innate desire to work for the welfare of the people. So getting into a good job where I can support my family and fulfill my desire, civil service was my foremost option during that time. From the very childhood I liked being with people and work with them.I believe if I had not been an administrator I would have been a social worker perhaps!
Please tell us about your first posting as a civil servant and the postings that followed.
My first posting was Enforcement Officer, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, which was quite challenging then as the post was created for the first time for a greater cause that too eviction of unauthorized encroachments. During one such thrilling occasion, I am reminded of the then Executive Officer who was brutally attacked by anti-socials against the widening of the roads at Shriya talkies square, though I had a narrow escape. There was always a threat for life during that yearin 1997.
 Later as BDO, Krushnaprasad in Puri District was again a challenging job in the year -1999. It is constituted of 22 Islandsand due to lack ofconnectivity, my movements were completely dependent to motor cycle andwater boats.
 During the period of posting in Biridi, people were hesitant to come to Blocks because of the havoc created by the criminals in the area. Dealing with such criminals on one hand and at the same time carrying out the development works in that area was a tough challenge for me.
With persistent effort and effective management I finally succeeded in changing the scenario of the locality for which people of that area still remember me and send me their good wishes.
Kalinga Nagar is known worldwide as a hub of Steel, Power and Ancillary products. After taking over the charge of ADM of Kalinga Nagar, what have been your biggest focus areas ?
Taking over the charges of Additional District Magistrate, Kalinga Nagar my biggest focus area was development of Kalinga Nagar.
There were various issues that needed to be addressed such as facilitating the pending R&R entitlements to the displaced families of Industries at Kalinga Nagar area, Acquisition of land for IDCO for industrial expansion, maintaining law and order, developing roads and drainage system in R&R colonies.
How have you been using the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds for the development of Industrial clusters in Kalinga Nagar ?
The funds are mainly used for the development of mining affected people.
Other than the industries, how are the healthcare and education sectors being taken care of in KalingaNagar ?
The education and healthcare sectors are being taken care up by the District Level Officers of concerned Department.
As an administrator, how challenging has the pandemic phase been for you ? Please tell us about your philanthropic activities during the lockdown period to reach out to the masses.Â
The Pandemic Phase has becomeone of the toughest and challenging times for theentire world. Prevention was better than cure as new vaccines / medicine was not developed to combat the disease then. All efforts were made by the Administration to spread awareness on the prevention of the disease in every nook and corner of the District. Â
The Senior Administrative Officers along with my-self under the leadership of Collector, released a short video clip on the arrest of spread of the infecting and what could happen if the COVID-19 guidelines were not followed. Mask and sanitizers were distributed to COVID-19 front line workers in various Departments of the Govt. and the NGOs who were associated in this mission for their safety and well-being.Temporary Medical Centresfor the infected patients were opened in schools and colleges, even few of the hotels were also taken up to keep the persons isolated.
When you are not working, what is your favorite pastime ?
When I am not working I spend time with my family. My favorite past time is reading, spiritual books writing poems and listening music.I also love to travel and explore new places.
Every individual on earth looks up to a certain person as inspiration. Who is your inspiration in life and why ?
My parents have always been my source of inspiration in my Life.As a child my parents have instilled discipline and steadfastness in my life. I have always tried to emulate my father’s principle and values and perhaps that has made me the person I am today.
Other than them, I have idolized the great Late BijuPatnaik, with whom I was fortunate to work under him in the initial years of my service career. His love for the poor and downtrodden had an ever lasting impact on me. Despite all my professional constraints, I have always tried to render all help to the needy and poor. Â
You have always believed in leading from the front. How would you define a leader ?
A leader in my definition is one who has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make quick and tough decisions in a demanding situation, is a team worker and above all is a compassionate person. A leader is an effective communicator and leads by example. A true leader owes his success to the team and failure to self. This is what I believe a leader is!
What is your vision for Kalinga Nagar ?
Kalinga Nagar Industrial Complex boasts of 18 Industrial houses wherein, M/s. TATA Steel Ltd., M/s. Jindal Stainless Ltd., M/s. NeelachalIspat Nigam Ltd., M/s. VISA Steel Ltd., M/s. Mideast Integrated Steel Ltd. and M/s. Brahmani River Pellets Ltd. are the major steel producing companies.
I envisage Kalinga Nagar as one of the leading steel hub of India. Kalinga Nagar and its adjacent area is going to be one of the most flourishing and prosperous city not only in the Countrybut also in the continent of Asia keeping in view of the huge Steel business potential this area has.Â
Do you find this post useful?
Click on a star to rate it!
Average rating 4.4 / 5. Vote count: 16
No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!
Let us improve this post!
Tell us how we can improve this post?