Meet the Wikimedian: Harihar Prasad Satapathy

Harihar Prasad Satapathy, born on 13th September 1963 in the remote village of Padmapur in Rayagada district, Odisha, is a man of many talents and deep-rooted dedication to his language and culture. His life’s journey from a small village to becoming a notable contributor to Odia Wikipedia, particularly in the fields of law and legal affairs, is both inspiring and intriguing.

Early Life and Education

Harihar’s early life was marked by academic excellence. He completed his high school education at BN High School, Padmapur, in 1980, securing first class and topping his batch throughout his primary and high school career. Despite the early loss of his mother and the retirement of his father, Meenaketan Satapathy, a primary teacher, Harihar remained focused on his education. He pursued his graduation in the science stream with physics honors at SKCG College, Paralakhemundi, from 1980 to 1984. It was here, amidst the cultural and literary richness of Paralakhemundi, that his literary journey began, with his first Odia poetry published in the college magazine in 1981.

Professional Journey

After graduation, financial constraints prevented Harihar from continuing his postgraduate studies. He began his career as a science teacher at Draupadi Bidyapeetha, Gumuda, in 1985. However, his professional trajectory soon shifted when he joined the government sector as a junior clerk in the Court of Judicial Magistrate First Class at Bissamcuttack in 1987. His career spanned several locations, including Rayagada, Jeypore, Gunupur, and Malkangiri, culminating in his retirement in June 2024 as a Grade-I Bench Clerk.

Literary and Legal Contributions

Despite his demanding career, Harihar never abandoned his literary passions. His Odia poems and stories found their way into Odia dailies and the YUGAVANI program on Jeypore Radio Station, earning him recognition and remuneration. His literary contributions continued to flourish, even as he navigated his professional responsibilities.

Contribution to Wikipedia

Harihar’s introduction to Wikipedia was serendipitous. With the introduction of computers in the court where he worked, he ventured into the world of the internet. His initial search for information about his village, Padmapur, yielded disappointing results, prompting him to take matters into his own hands. This led to his first contribution on English Wikipedia in January 2014, where he wrote about his village, Padmapur, Rayagada.

Harihar’s transition to Odia Wikipedia was facilitated by his discovery of the Odia version of the platform. His interest was piqued by the detailed page on Gunupur, which included even the smallest details about the town. Determined to contribute to Odia Wikipedia, he embarked on a quest to locate User:MKar (Mrutyunjay Kar, an admin on Odia Wikipedia), the author of the Gunupur page. Through a series of investigative efforts and with the help of Facebook, Harihar identified and contacted Mrutyunjaya Kar, who became his guide and mentor in customizing Odia language settings and creating pages on Odia Wikipedia.

Starting in September 2014, Harihar’s contributions to Odia Wikipedia grew steadily. With Mr. Kar’s guidance and support, he added a wealth of content related to his district, Rayagada. His enthusiasm and dedication caught the attention of prominent figures like Mr. Subhasish, who encouraged him further. Harihar even attended a Wikipedia workshop in Bhubaneswar, which bolstered his confidence and skills.

Focus on Law and Legal Articles

Harihar’s contributions to Odia Wikipedia are particularly noteworthy in the fields of law and legal affairs. Leveraging his extensive experience in the judicial sector, he has created and enriched numerous articles related to legal matters. His deep understanding of legal processes and terminologies has enabled him to provide valuable insights and accurate information to the Odia-speaking community. He has actively participated in various edit-a-thons like Wikipedia Asian Month, Wiki Loves Literature, Mahatma Gandhi edit-a-thon, Feminism and Folklore edit-a-thon, Ratha Jatra edit-a-thon, Odia Literature edit-a-thon, Project Tiger, Wiki Loves Women, Wikipedia Women Health, and more. In most of these edit-a-thons, he has created the highest or second highest number of articles based on the themes, demonstrating his dedication and prolific contributions.

Diverse Contributions

Beyond legal articles, Harihar has made significant contributions to various other topics on Odia Wikipedia. His work includes articles on Hindu mythological characters, geographical topics, Jagannath culture, the history of Odisha, and astrological articles. His diverse contributions reflect his wide-ranging interests and his commitment to enriching the knowledge base of the Odia-speaking community.

Impact and Recognition

Harihar’s contributions did not go unnoticed. His higher authorities, including the then District Judge Mr. Ajmal, recognized his efforts. When the Odisha High Court directed all district courts to publish their online magazines, Harihar was entrusted with compiling the magazine for Rayagada district. His hard work paid off when Rayagada emerged as the only district to successfully publish its magazine, featuring Harihar’s article in Odia.

Beyond his work on Wikipedia, Harihar authored several online publications and compilations, including “Anabana Kabita” (a compilation of his poetries), “Sheristadar’s Handbook (Part-1)” (a guide for peskars of judicial courts), “Frequently Asked Questions on Hindu Marriage Act 1955” (a guide for lawyers), and “Bhajanamala” (a collection of devotional poem).

Conclusion

Harihar Prasad Satapathy’s journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his language, culture, and community. Despite numerous challenges, he continues to contribute to Odia Wikipedia, ensuring that knowledge about his heritage is accessible to all. His story serves as an inspiration for others to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to the world.

Even after retirement, equipped with a laptop gifted by his son, Harihar remains an active and passionate contributor to Odia Wikipedia, striving to enrich the platform with valuable content. Harihar Prasad Satapathy’s journey from a remote village to becoming a notable Wikipedia contributor exemplifies the power of determination, passion, and the transformative impact of technology on knowledge sharing and cultural preservation. His significant contributions to law and legal-related articles on Odia Wikipedia highlight his dedication to making legal information accessible and understandable for all.