Harihar Prasad Satapathy, born on 13th September 1963 in the remote village of Padmapur in Rayagada district, Odisha, is a man of many talents and deep-rooted dedication to his language and culture. His life's journey from a small village to becoming a notable contributor to Odia Wikipedia, particularly in the fields of law and legal affairs, is both inspiring and intriguing.
Early Life and Education
Harihar's early life was marked by academic excellence. He completed his
high school education at BN High School, Padmapur, in 1980, securing first
class and topping his batch throughout his primary and high school career.
Despite the early loss of his mother and the retirement of his father,
Meenaketan Satapathy, a primary teacher, Harihar remained focused on his
education. He pursued his graduation in the science stream with physics honors
at SKCG College, Paralakhemundi, from 1980 to 1984. It was here, amidst the
cultural and literary richness of Paralakhemundi, that his literary journey
began, with his first Odia poetry published in the college magazine in 1981.
Professional Journey
After graduation, financial constraints prevented Harihar from continuing
his postgraduate studies. He began his career as a science teacher at Draupadi
Bidyapeetha, Gumuda, in 1985. However, his professional trajectory soon shifted
when he joined the government sector as a junior clerk in the Court of Judicial
Magistrate First Class at Bissamcuttack in 1987. His career spanned several
locations, including Rayagada, Jeypore, Gunupur, and Malkangiri, culminating in
his retirement in June 2024 as a Grade-I Bench Clerk.
Literary and Legal Contributions
Despite his demanding career, Harihar never abandoned his literary passions.
His Odia poems and stories found their way into Odia dailies and the YUGAVANI
program on Jeypore Radio Station, earning him recognition and remuneration. His
literary contributions continued to flourish, even as he navigated his
professional responsibilities.
Contribution to Wikipedia
Harihar's introduction to Wikipedia was serendipitous. With the introduction
of computers in the court where he worked, he ventured into the world of the
internet. His initial search for information about his village, Padmapur,
yielded disappointing results, prompting him to take matters into his own
hands. This led to his first contribution on English
Wikipedia in January 2014, where he wrote about his
village, Padmapur,
Rayagada.
Harihar's transition to Odia Wikipedia was facilitated by his discovery of
the Odia version of the platform. His interest was piqued by the detailed page
on Gunupur, which included even the smallest details about the town. Determined
to contribute to Odia Wikipedia, he embarked on a quest to locate User:MKar (Mrutyunjay Kar, an admin on Odia
Wikipedia), the author of the Gunupur
page. Through a series of investigative efforts and with the help of
Facebook, Harihar identified and contacted Mrutyunjaya Kar, who became his
guide and mentor in customizing Odia language settings and creating pages on
Odia Wikipedia.
Starting in September 2014, Harihar's contributions to Odia Wikipedia grew steadily.
With Mr. Kar's guidance and support, he added a wealth of content related to
his district, Rayagada. His
enthusiasm and dedication caught the attention of prominent figures like Mr. Subhasish, who encouraged him
further. Harihar even attended a Wikipedia workshop in Bhubaneswar, which
bolstered his confidence and skills.
Focus on Law and Legal Articles
Harihar's contributions to Odia Wikipedia are particularly noteworthy in the
fields of law and legal affairs. Leveraging his extensive experience in the
judicial sector, he has created and enriched numerous articles related to legal
matters. His deep understanding of legal processes and terminologies has enabled
him to provide valuable insights and accurate information to the Odia-speaking
community. He has actively participated in various edit-a-thons like Wikipedia
Asian Month, Wiki Loves Literature, Mahatma Gandhi edit-a-thon, Feminism and
Folklore edit-a-thon, Ratha Jatra edit-a-thon, Odia Literature edit-a-thon,
Project Tiger, Wiki Loves Women, Wikipedia Women Health, and more. In most of
these edit-a-thons, he has created the highest or second highest number of
articles based on the themes, demonstrating his dedication and prolific
contributions.
Diverse Contributions
Beyond legal articles, Harihar has made significant contributions to various
other topics on Odia Wikipedia. His work includes articles on Hindu
mythological characters, geographical topics, Jagannath culture, the history of
Odisha, and astrological articles. His diverse contributions reflect his
wide-ranging interests and his commitment to enriching the knowledge base of
the Odia-speaking community.
Impact and Recognition
Harihar's contributions did not go unnoticed. His higher authorities,
including the then District Judge Mr. Ajmal, recognized his efforts. When the
Odisha High Court directed all district courts to publish their online
magazines, Harihar was entrusted with compiling the magazine for Rayagada
district. His hard work paid off when Rayagada emerged as the only district to
successfully publish its magazine, featuring Harihar's article in Odia.
Beyond his work on Wikipedia, Harihar authored several online publications
and compilations, including "Anabana Kabita" (a compilation of his
poetries), "Sheristadar's Handbook (Part-1)" (a guide for peskars of
judicial courts), "Frequently Asked Questions on Hindu Marriage Act
1955" (a guide for lawyers), and "Bhajanamala" (a collection of devotional
poem).
Conclusion
Harihar Prasad Satapathy's journey is a testament to his unwavering
commitment to his language, culture, and community. Despite numerous
challenges, he continues to contribute to Odia Wikipedia, ensuring that
knowledge about his heritage is accessible to all. His story serves as an
inspiration for others to pursue their passions and make meaningful
contributions to the world.
Even after retirement, equipped with a laptop gifted by his son, Harihar
remains an active and passionate contributor to Odia Wikipedia, striving to
enrich the platform with valuable content.
Harihar Prasad Satapathy's journey from a remote village to becoming a notable Wikipedia contributor exemplifies the power of determination, passion, and the transformative impact of technology on knowledge sharing and cultural preservation. His significant contributions to law and legal-related articles on Odia Wikipedia highlight his dedication to making legal information accessible and understandable for all.
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