LG NARAYAN MOHANTY
He has held a range of prestigious positions throughout his career. Notably, after a rigorous selection process, he served at Rashtrapati Bhavan under two Hon’ble Presidents of India, Sri Venkatraman and Sri Shankar Dayal Sharma. Upon promotion to Lt. General, he became the first Director General of the RVC of the Indian Army and also served as Director RVS of the Eastern Army, overseeing ten states. In this role, he played a key part in operational planning to manage militant activities along the Northeastern and Eastern borders.
As a young officer, he participated in the 1971 India-Pakistan War, leading to the liberation of Bangladesh and the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani troops. While stationed in Jammu & Kashmir, he effectively managed operational duties and spearheaded the Army’s welfare initiative, ‘Operation Sadhbhavana,’ fostering goodwill in conflict-affected areas.
As Director General, he facilitated cooperation between the Indian and Bangladesh Armies on security matters, earning recognition from the Government of Bangladesh in 2016. Prior to relocating to Bhubaneswar, he held the esteemed role of President, Veterinary Council of India, where he significantly improved veterinary education, services, and livestock development. As the first military officer in this role, he brought distinction to the Army and Odisha.
As a young officer, he participated in the 1971 India-Pakistan War, leading to the liberation of Bangladesh and the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani troops. While stationed in Jammu & Kashmir, he effectively managed operational duties and spearheaded the Army’s welfare initiative, ‘Operation Sadhbhavana,’ fostering goodwill in conflict-affected areas.
As Director General, he facilitated cooperation between the Indian and Bangladesh Armies on security matters, earning recognition from the Government of Bangladesh in 2016. Prior to relocating to Bhubaneswar, he held the esteemed role of President, Veterinary Council of India, where he significantly improved veterinary education, services, and livestock development. As the first military officer in this role, he brought distinction to the Army and Odisha.
PROF (DR.) BHAGBAN PRAKASH
He is a renowned expert in Youth and Human Development, recognized as a thought leader and policy architect both in India and internationally. He led the National Service Scheme (NSS), the world’s largest student volunteer program, building it from the ground up. As a literacy advocate, he played a pivotal role in making Kottayam, Kerala, India’s first fully literate city, igniting a total literacy campaign throughout the state and nation by mobilizing youth volunteers.
He conceptualized the framework for the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under the Election Commission of India. With over forty years of experience, he is celebrated for his significant contributions to youth volunteerism, civil society development, elder care, community disaster preparedness, gender justice, HIV/AIDS education, environmental preservation, democracy promotion, and public policy.
He conceptualized the framework for the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under the Election Commission of India. With over forty years of experience, he is celebrated for his significant contributions to youth volunteerism, civil society development, elder care, community disaster preparedness, gender justice, HIV/AIDS education, environmental preservation, democracy promotion, and public policy.
MR. GOUTAM DEY, IFS (RTD)
Mr. Goutam Dey, a retired Indian Foreign Service diplomat (IFS), has an extensive background in consular, trade, and cultural affairs. Serving as Vice-Consul in Edinburgh (2005–2009) and as Under-Secretary in the MEA’s passport division, he became an authority on passport and visa matters, frequently lecturing at Foreign Service Institutes. From 2015 to 2021, as ICCR Regional Director in Kolkata, he raised the center’s profile through cultural engagement. Post-retirement, he continues his contributions as Chairman of the Forum for Business, Social and Cultural Initiative and as advisor to organizations like Prakriti Bhava, Empathy, and Hindustan Art and Music.
PROF. (DR.) SANAT KUMAR SAHA (Emeritus)
Prof. (Dr.) Sanat Kumar Saha serves as the Member (Eminent Scientist) of the West Bengal State Council of Higher Education, advising on policy decisions related to teaching and research across 32 universities, affiliated colleges, engineering institutions, and management schools in West Bengal.
With over 15 years of experience, he has been actively engaged in the fields of Ecotoxicology, Polluted Soil Reclamation, Wasteland Afforestation, Soil Fertility Management, and the development of Modified Phosphatic Fertilizers. His work in these areas includes leading foreign-aided projects with organizations such as UNIDO, the European Union (EU), and the Australian International Development Agency (AIDA).
DR. GOREKH NATH SAHOO
Dr. Gorekh Nath Sahoo is a distinguished senior advocate, journalist, writer, and linguist with expertise in Koshali, Odia, and English. Renowned for his research, he is also an accomplished yoga exponent. His notable work on the science of Yoga and metaphysics in the folk festivals of the Koshal region has gained widespread recognition, particularly for highlighting the integral role of Astanga Yoga principles in Varua-Tattwa.
In addition to his contributions to literature and research, Dr. Sahoo serves as the Secretary General of the Koshali Sahity Sanskruti Academy and acts as LEPRA’s Ambassador for Odisha State.