Dr. Nirakar Parida, a highly accomplished professional, serves as Manager (Mechanical) and Senior Vibration Analyst at the Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station under Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), a central government entity under the Ministry of Power. With over 17 years of experience, he  has made significant contributions to the power sector, demonstrating his expertise in mechanical engineering and vibration analysis. His journey is marked by resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

He  was born and raised in the small village of Baliganda in Kendrapara, Odisha. Growing up in a family that depended on his father’s limited agricultural income, he faced numerous financial struggles. Despite these challenges, he remained driven to achieve more. Inspired by national icons like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Biju Patnaik, and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, as well as his grandfather’s teachings, Dr. Parida developed a strong sense of discipline, perseverance, and a passion for serving society.

He began his educational journey at NSHS High School in Doligaon before attending Kendrapara College, where he excelled in the Science stream, securing the second position among 256 students in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology (PCMB). Driven by a deep interest in technology, he chose to pursue a career in engineering over medicine and went on to complete his B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from the Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology under Biju Patnaik University of Technology, Odisha.

His  professional career is diverse, spanning sectors like education, tire manufacturing, and the aluminum industry before joining the Central Government’s power sector. At DVC, he oversees critical areas, including Plant Water Systems, Ash Handling, and Maintenance Planning for 500/600 MW thermal power units. As a certified Level-II Vibration Analyst, he has more than five years of specialized experience in condition monitoring of rotating equipment, ensuring optimal plant performance. His expertise contributes significantly to maintaining the efficiency and reliability of large-scale thermal power operations.

In recognition of his outstanding work, he  was awarded an honorary doctorate in Vibration Analysis from Stanford International University (USA). He has also been acknowledged as a Chartered Engineer by the Institution of Engineers (India). His excellence in engineering has earned him prestigious accolades, such as the Bharat Vibhushan Puraskar 2024 by ISHRE and the International/Asian Excellence Award 2024 for Best Engineer of the Year.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, he  is dedicated to social service. Motivated by a desire to give back to his community, he founded the Baliganda Educational Foundation, which offers free education to underprivileged children in his village. He is deeply involved in various charitable activities, focusing on the upliftment of disadvantaged communities. His passion for learning has led him to pursue further certifications, including Project Management from IIT Guwahati and a master’s program in Applied Mechatronics and Robotics from IIT Bhilai.

Looking ahead, Dr. Parida aspires to contribute to the nation’s technological advancements and support educational initiatives for the next generation. He firmly believes that a nation’s prosperity is rooted in the integrity, unity, and hard work of its people. Guided by his devotion to Lord Jagannath and the support of his community, he remains committed to both professional excellence and social welfare.

He embodies the spirit of a true patriot, balancing his career with a deep commitment to social betterment. He concludes with a powerful message: “A nation’s prosperity and economic development come first; the rest will follow as long as the people of India work with honesty, integrity, sovereignty, and unity. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat, Jai Jagannath.”

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