Beyond Books: Bikash Satapathy and the Living Museum of Madanpur
By Krushna Kumar Mohanty
When we speak of Odisha’s library movement, the name Dasharathi Pattnaik—popularly known as Dasiā Ajā—inevitably comes to mind. But following in his formidable footsteps, another Dasharathi has emerged—quietly, diligently, and with equal passion: Bikash Kumar Satapathy of Madanpur, Balasore.
It was during his eighth-grade days that young Bikash first encountered Dasiā Ajā, who arrived in his village with a head turban, a bundle of books, and a spirit of service. That ten-paisa monarch, as Ajā was affectionately called, unknowingly lit a flame in the heart of the young boy. One simple mantra remained etched in Bikash’s ears ever since: "A person’s true wealth is people—connect with as many as you can."
Inspired by this ideal, Bikash began his journey in 1990 by establishing a library and museum named "Loknath Pathagara o Sangrahalaya" in memory of his great-grandfather. Nestled in the remote coastal village of Madanpur in Bahanaga Block, it began humbly, with just fifteen periodicals. Today, it houses over 35,000 books and magazines, alongside a priceless collection of rare manuscripts, artefacts, and memorabilia.
Despite holding a Master’s degree in Odia Literature, Bikash shunned conventional employment to dedicate himself entirely to the literary cause. He immersed himself in the world of books and collecting—preferring knowledge over income, and heritage over haste. From marine creatures retrieved from the shoreline to palm-leaf manuscripts from pundits, from vintage coins sent by overseas contacts to aged stamps and radios—his collection has grown into an encyclopaedia of lived history.
His literary spirit bloomed early. After completing his matriculation, he published his first children’s book "Shukhila Gachhara Dashti Patra O Dashti Phula." Following his higher secondary exams, he brought out another book titled "Kau Koili." These endeavours connected him with a broad network of authors and editors. In 1996, he founded the children's magazine "Baichadei," further cementing his role as both writer and editor.
Now located in Ward No. 12 of Basudevpur Municipality, Bhadrak, the Loknath Library and Museum has become a vital space for students, researchers, and curious visitors. Its shelves and showcases feature more than 1,200 ancient palm-leaf manuscripts, over 1,100 rare Indian and foreign coins, discontinued postal stamps, 100-year-old radios, traditional lanterns, maritime fossils, antique scales, tribal weapons, and other historic objects—each piece telling a forgotten story.
True to his mission, Bikash doesn’t charge visitors a single rupee. In recent years, he has launched the "Mo Mobile Chhāḍa, Bahi Paḍh" (Leave the Mobile, Read a Book) campaign. He and his volunteers visit schools to offer children free books, encouraging reading habits and reducing screen dependence. He also organizes travelling exhibitions of rare items at cultural fairs and youth gatherings, narrating the tales of Odisha’s rich and diverse past.
What makes Bikash’s effort truly extraordinary is that it thrives without any government aid. Sustained solely through personal commitment and community goodwill, his library-museum stands as a living testament to what one determined individual can achieve with vision, patience, and love for culture.
In an age where instant gratification rules and history is often digitized and discarded, Bikash Kumar Satapathy has chosen to preserve memory in its most tangible, human form. His journey is not just a homage to books—it is a celebration of belief, a rebellion against forgetfulness, and a beacon of transformation for generations to come.
