Dr. Nirakar Parida: A Trailblazer in Engineering, Education, and Social Service
Dr. Nirakar Parida, an accomplished professional with over 17 years of experience, currently serves as Manager (Mechanical) and Senior Vibration Analyst at the Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station, part of the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. Born in Baliganda, a small village in Kendrapara, Odisha, His life story is a remarkable testament to perseverance, resilience, and dedication to excellence.
Raised in a family reliant on his father’s modest agricultural income, He faced significant financial challenges during his early years. However, he was profoundly influenced by his grandfather and national icons such as Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Biju Patnaik, and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Their values of discipline, patriotism, and a commitment to societal welfare inspired him to rise above his circumstances and pursue meaningful contributions to his community and nation.
He began his education at NSHS High School in Doligaon and later attended Kendrapara College, where he excelled in the Science stream, ranking second among 256 students in the PCMB track. Driven by his passion for technology, he opted for engineering over medicine, earning a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology under Biju Patnaik University of Technology, Odisha.
His professional career spans diverse industries, including education, tire manufacturing, and the aluminium sector, before transitioning to the central government’s power sector. At DVC, He plays a critical role in operations and maintenance, focusing on Plant Water Systems, Ash Handling, Coal Handling, and Maintenance Planning for 500/600 MW thermal power units. A certified Level-II Vibration Analyst, he specializes in condition monitoring of rotating equipment, ensuring efficiency and reliability in large-scale thermal power plants.
His academic achievements are equally commendable. He holds an honorary doctorate from Stanford International University (USA) in Vibration Analysis and is recognized as a Chartered Engineer by the Institution of Engineers (India). His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Bharat Vibhushan Puraskar 2024 by ISHRE and the International/Asian Excellence Award 2024 for Best Engineer of the Year.
Beyond his professional endeavors, He is deeply committed to social service. He founded the Baliganda Educational Foundation, a free education center in his village, to support underprivileged children. His philanthropic efforts also extend to various charitable initiatives aimed at uplifting economically disadvantaged communities. Passionate about continuous learning, he is pursuing professional certifications in Project Management from IIT Guwahati and a Master’s degree in Applied Mechatronics and Robotics from IIT Bhilai.
Looking to the future, He envisions contributing to technological advancements and fostering education for future generations. He firmly believes that a nation’s progress relies on the integrity, unity, and hard work of its people. Guided by his faith in Lord Jagannath and the support of the Indian populace, he remains dedicated to both professional excellence and social welfare.
He concludes with an inspiring message: “A nation’s prosperity and economic development come first; everything else will follow as long as the people of India work with honesty, integrity, and unity. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat, Jai Jagannath.”
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