"Dada" is no more

 
Born- 1941
Died-3rd June 2009
Rasbihari Pradhan was the "Gauntia" of Manapara,Bargarh and was beloved "Dada" of Seelora. Though born brfore independence, he adapted to the changing situation after independence and was not only the most respected person of Manapara and adjoining areas for not only for the riches but also for the human behaviour towards the poor fellow human beings in his village and beyond. He was a typical farmer from Orissa- particularly Western Orissa and being encouraged by him, his son Sri Ajit Pradhan despite aquiring a Master's degree in Science some 30 years back decided to take up farming and remains an examplary farmer in the area. As the head of a very large family, he had a very tough time providing the best of education to his children.
"Dada" was an un-assuming personality. Always simple he used to love people around him and was very forthright when he disliked anyone's behaviour. Always a lover of food, he even used to prepare delicacies to treat his guests and own family members. 3 years back he was detected to have carcinoma of base of the tounge and duely taken care by his joint family at TMH, Mumbai and also at home.
When a son was born to Seelora on 25th August last year at Chandigarh and Seelora had to appear at her final MD exams in December/January, it was he and his wife who volunteered to take care of the baby during those days and stayed with her and the baby boy till she left Chandigarh. Even as recently as 30th March 2009, "Dada" came from Bargarh and took Seelora and her son to the later's parents at Saugor.(This photo was clicked that day at Rourkela station).

Very active till death, "Dada" went for a bath in his village pond on 3rd June where he got drowned. He has left behind his wife, two sons, 4 daughters, many grand children and great grand children and numerous other family members apart from many people from Manapara and surrounding villages of Manapara and Bargarh disheartened.

May his soul rest in peace and May God keep him at his lotus feet.