Two states: Bengaluru-based scientist explores the relationship between Odisha and Karnataka
Lifestyle
By Fathima Ashraf
02/11/2023
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Mechanical engineer and scientist Subhransu Mohapatra moved to Bengaluru from Odisha 27 years back, to pursue a degree in IISc. Like many who come to the city, he never left.
“Bengaluru is as much my home as Odisha is.” says Mohapatra, who chronicles the history and relationship of Odisha and Karnataka in Beyond Obvious: Odisha-Karnataka Relationship.
“I’m not a historian, I’m just a history enthusiast,” Mohapatra stressed during his speech at the book launch held on 1 November, at the Bangalore International Centre.
An author with five books to his credit, Mohapatra’s works have mostly been fiction and poetry. This is his first attempt at non-fiction, which he says, wasn’t an easy undertaking.
In six chapters he explores six areas of interest which include historical connection, the economic relationship, political, cultural and spiritual aspects, educational and literary ties.
“A lot of Indians are settled across the globe and that’s always mentioned. But there is an inter-state migration happening in India. Yet, we don’t discuss it even though it’s significant.”
“I’m happy that the place I come from and the place I call home are both so similar. Bengaluru has been so warm. We have built some genuine connections here,” he says.
“All of my previous books have been stories and poetry. Writing non-fiction is a daunting task because you have to be very careful about what you are writing,” he signs off.