Book ‘Silver Gandhi India’ Based on Mohan’s Life Released
Bhubaneswar: 18.03.2024 (Shashwat TV) – A book titled Silver Gandhi India, written by former Bhubaneswar MP Dr. Prasanna Patsani, based on the inspiring life of Mohan Mahapatra—popularly known as “Silver Gandhi”—was officially released at Jayadev Bhawan’s exhibition hall. Mohan, a student of the Drama Department of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, walked across India promoting the message of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, raising awareness through his symbolic representation of Gandhi.
The event, organized by Odisha Samajsevi Mahasangh, was attended by Dr. Prasanna Patsani as the chief guest, who highlighted the theme “One Mohan, One Gandhi”. Other dignitaries present at the ceremony included Jatani MLA Suresh Rautaray, social worker Meera Parida, Mahasangh State Women President Dr. Bandana Harichandan, vocalist Dr. Jayashree Dhal, social worker Manasmita Jena, Mani Panda, Manas Bastia, Bhatia Babu, public leader Bijay Parida, journalists Lingaraj Sahu, Ashwini Pati, Kishan Baraik, among others.
The event was conducted by Mahasangh’s State President Bapu Ojha. Also present were members of the Mahasangh including Tanmaya Samantaray, Manas Ranjan Sahu, Niranjan Sahu, Debaprasad Merkap, Chittaranjan Das, Pramod Pati, D. Santosh, Mir Mohammad Ali, and Bhuvanananda Samanta.
Mohan Mahapatra, a native of Benupara village in Delang block of Puri district, is not just an artist but also a passionate social worker. From childhood, he had a deep interest in acting, service to society, and charity. After completing his education at Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, he dedicated himself to public awareness campaigns. To draw attention, he adopted the appearance of Mahatma Gandhi—shaving his head, dressing in white, covering his body in silver paint, carrying a walking stick in one hand and a placard with awareness messages in the other. He began walking barefoot from village to village, through city streets, markets, schools, and colleges with the aim of spreading messages for societal wellbeing. People were amazed to see a youth in silver Gandhi attire, and it was from that moment he came to be known as “Silver Gandhi.”
Mohan’s remarkable padayatra (march on foot) from Puri to Delhi, spreading the message of cleanliness, made national headlines. After meeting the Prime Minister and the President of India, he became a symbolic brand ambassador of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. He even set a world record through his march. His efforts were later portrayed in a Hindi feature film titled Silver Gandhi.
Today, Odisha’s prominent personalities gathered at the book launch to praise Mohan Mahapatra’s inspiring journey. They expressed hope that through this book, Silver Gandhi India, the general public would draw inspiration for selfless social service.
