Book “Silver Gandhi India” Released at Jayadeva Festival
Bhubaneswar, 19.02.2024 (Singhari Alok Khuntia) – Today, at the grand celebration of the 58th Jayadeva Festival-24 held at Utkal Mandap, Bhubaneswar, a commemorative evening was organized in the presence of distinguished guests. On this occasion, artist and social worker Mohan Mahapatra was honored, and the book “Silver Gandhi India”, authored by Dr. Prasanna Pattashani, was unveiled.
Mohan Mahapatra, a student of the Drama Department of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, is both an artist and a dedicated social worker. Born in Benupada village under Delang block of Puri district, Mohan had a deep-rooted interest in acting, social service, and philanthropy from his early days. After completing his education in drama from Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, he began his journey of public awareness through social service. To attract public attention, he adopted the persona of Mahatma Gandhi — shaving his head, wearing white clothes, painting his body in silver, carrying a stick in one hand and a placard with social messages in the other. His mission took him from one village to another, through the streets, markets, schools, and colleges — all barefoot, for the welfare of society.
His unique portrayal of Gandhi, with his silver-colored appearance, sparked curiosity among people, who gathered to watch. From that point onward, Mohan came to be known as the “Silver Gandhi.”
Mohan’s barefoot march from Puri to Delhi in the guise of Gandhi created a national sensation. After meeting the Prime Minister and the Honorable President in Delhi with his message of cleanliness, he became a symbolic figure of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) and was later recognized as its brand ambassador. His padyatra (foot march) even set a world record. Inspired by his achievements, a Hindi film titled “Silver Gandhi” was made about his life.
The book “Silver Gandhi India” by Dr. Prasanna Pattashani, released today, is based on the inspiring journey and struggles of our very own Odia son, Mohan Mahapatra. Esteemed guests of Odisha attended the event and praised Mahapatra for his dedication, expressing hope that this book would inspire the public to contribute to social service.
Today’s event was coordinated by Dr. Shrinibas Ghattuwari.
