Prof. Dr. Chayyakanta Mahapatra Oration Award

Prof. Dr. Chayyakanta Mahapatra

Date of Birth: April 27, 1942

Date of Demise: July 8, 2016

Father: Sri Lokanath Mahapatra

Brothers:

Spouse: Smt. Prava Mohapatra

Son: Sri Satyakam Mohapatra (working in an International NGO)

Schooling: Zila Parishad School, Puri
ISC: Puri
MBBS: SCB Medical College, Cuttack (Graduated in 1965)
MS (Ophthalmology): SCB Medical College, Cuttack (Completed in 1970, first attempt)

Special interest in Glaucoma
A skilled ophthalmic surgeon, having trained numerous surgeons over his career
A household name in Ganjam district for providing eye care across southern Odisha

Teaching Excellence:
- Seminars & Discussions: Prof. Mahapatra was the first medical teacher at MKCG to introduce structured daily seminars and case discussions, greatly enhancing postgraduate training.
- Monthly PG Examinations: Instituted monthly examinations to assess postgraduate students, fostering continuous learning.
Patient Care:
- Conducted grand rounds for all admitted patients, ensuring thorough clinical evaluations.
- Emphasized bedside teaching, making it a core element of postgraduate training.
- His dedication to patient care and teaching was exemplary, and his meticulous approach became a model for many of his students.
Mentorship:
- Prof. Mahapatra’s camaraderie with postgraduates was renowned. His students, some of whom have become prominent ophthalmologists, bear testimony to his sincerity and thorough clinical approach.
- Many of his students imbibed his rigorous clinical evaluation methods and dedication to the field.

Orissa State Ophthalmological Society (OSOS):
- Held various leadership positions from 1972 to 1980, including Treasurer, Secretary, and President, contributing significantly to the growth of the society.
Vision for Departmental Autonomy:
- As the Head of the Department, Prof. Mahapatra envisioned making MKCG’s Department of Ophthalmology autonomous, inspired by renowned institutes like L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI). Though not realized during his tenure, Odisha eventually saw the establishment of LVPEI in 2007, reflecting his forward-thinking approach.

Prof. Mahapatra presented numerous scientific papers at prestigious conferences, including the All India Ophthalmological Conferences in Bombay, Patna, and various state-level ophthalmology conferences from 1971 to 1996.
A prolific writer, he authored several Odia short story books, including the acclaimed “Bara Gacha”, continuing the literary legacy of his family.

Gandhi Award: Recognized as an exemplary medical professional, receiving the prestigious award from the Government of Odisha on August 15, 1999.

Award Title: The award shall be called “Prof. Dr. Chayyakanta Mahapatra Oration Award for Oculoplasty. OSOS”

Awardee Criteria:

An Oculoplasty Surgeon who has made outstanding contributions to the field of Oculoplasty in Odisha/India will be awarded each year.
The selection process begins by inviting nominations and applications from various Eye Care Institutes and individuals at least four months before the annual state conference.
The selection committee will evaluate and decide on the most deserving Ophthalmologist.
Publications: The candidate must have a significant number of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Among shortlisted candidates, contributions to Ophthalmic Oculoplasty Research and/or Social Responsibility will be considered.
- The oration cannot be given to any person more than once.
- The Oration will not be awarded to two persons of same institution with in a span of 3 years.

Award Details:

Frequency: The award shall be given annually
Oration: The oration will be delivered at the Annual Conference of OSOS.
- Duration: 15 minutes – 5 minutes on the awardee’s Ophthalmic Journey and 10 minutes on special work done in Oculoplasty by the Orator.
Presentation: The award will be presented during the Inaugural Ceremony, with a Plaque and Certificate.
Expenses: The awardee will receive travel expenses, local hospitality, and complimentary registration for the state annual conference in the year of the award presentation.

Awardee Selection Process:

Nominations: Nominations with credentials and adequate proof shall be called for the award in June of the same year as the OSOS Annual Conference.

The last date for submission of nominations is July 31st of the same year.
Applicants must furnish:
- Biodata
- Experience in Oculoplasty
The Selection Committee shall comprise:
- President of OSOS
- General Secretary of OSOS
- Chairman Scientific Committee, OSOS
- Two students of Prof. Chayyakanta Mahapatra, nominated by their forum. One of them will be the convenor of the committee and initiate the selection process. In their absence, any two senior members of OSOS, as nominated by the Chairman Scientific Committee, will assist in the selection.
Presentation: The award will be presented during the Inaugural Ceremony, with a Plaque and Certificate.
Expenses: The awardee will receive travel expenses, local hospitality, and complimentary registration for the state annual conference in the year of the award presentation.
The decision of majority of the selection committee will be final.

Endowment for Award:

To institute the award, the students will place a minimum amount of Rupees 5 Lakhs at the disposal of the Orissa State Ophthalmological Society. The Society will invest the money in a separate bank account to yield maximum interest annually. The Society is obligated not to utilize the money for any purpose other than discharging the award.

Prof Dr Chhayakanta Mahapatra Oration Awardee