A tribute to my colleague and friend Swapneswar
By Susant Kumar Dalai
Today marks the 12th day since the passing of my colleague and dear friend, Swapneswar. I lost not just a colleague, but someone I deeply admired and shared my daily workspace with. He passed away at SCB Medical College in Cuttack during the night of the 6th—around 12:20 AM on the 7th.
We worked side by side, every day. His chair was right next to mine, and now, its emptiness is a quiet but constant reminder of his absence. It’s still hard to come to terms with the fact that he is no longer with us.
Swapneswar was more than a part of our team—he was the backbone of many of our shared achievements. He was one of the key architects behind the preparation of GIS maps for the FRA ATLAS of Odisha, a landmark and pathbreaking initiative launched in 2023 by the former Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik. His technical expertise, steadfast dedication, and deep understanding of the Forest Rights Act played a pivotal role in bringing the FRA ATLAS to life.
His work went beyond state boundaries—the GIS-based mapping of potential IFR and CFR areas in Odisha’s FRA ATLAS became a pioneering model adopted by other states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. His contribution helped set a new benchmark for FRA implementation across the country.
Swapneswar was a silent warrior—he never sought recognition, but his work spoke volumes. His quiet dedication, precision, and relentless commitment to securing rights for forest-dwelling communities continue to inspire all of us. His absence leaves a void that can never truly be filled—but his legacy will live on.
As I sit at my desk and glance at the empty chair beside me, I feel the weight of this loss deeply. Yet, I also feel immense gratitude—for having had the chance to work with someone like him, to witness his dedication, and to learn from his spirit.
This is a day I will never forget. Swapneswar’s name will forever be linked to the FRA ATLAS—not just as a contributor, but as one of its chief architects. His work will continue to empower forest-dwelling communities for generations to come.
Rest in peace, dear friend. Your work, your spirit, and your memory will always remain with us.
