Malkangiri: He is a dedicated veterinary doctor, but he is devoted to singing bhajans of Lord Jagannath. While his sincerity in his profession has earned him appreciation, his singing skill has made him a popular figure.
Dr Debasih Sarangi of District Veterinary Hospital is well known in Malkangiri. Besides being an efficient doctor, his helping nature has endeared him to the people. “Though our district has a good population of cattle, it lacks in having efficient veterinary doctors to take care of them. Dr Sarangi is not only known in the town but also across the district for his dedication to the profession. In case of any emergency at any time of the day, he does not hesitate to go for treatment of any sick animal,” said Ram Krishna Chaudhury, a resident of Malkangiri.
Besides his work, Dr Sarangi is equally known for his melodious singing of bhajans so much so that he is invited to almost all bhajan programmes across the district. But he says that he has not attended any music school nor undergone training.
“I like to sing bhajans for Lord Jagannath since my childhood. I have not undergone any formal training. It is all due to God’s blessings,” said Dr Sarangi.
Belonging to Puri district, Dr Sarangi said he has rendered services in the Jagannath Temple when he was staying in the town. At the time also, he used to sing devotional songs.
“I do not think I have any special quality. Due to God’s blessings, I am able to sing the songs in His honour and am liked by the people,” said the doctor.
Like his medical service, which he does free of cost, Dr Sarangi does not take any money for his singing. “Whenever anybody invites him to a bhajan function, he goes there happily. His devotion to the Lord while singing is something to watch for,” said Laxmikant Tripathy, another resident of the town.
On any plan to bring out his own albums, the doctor is dismissive about it. “I am singing because I love to sing for the Lord and will continue to do it till my last breath,” said the doctor.
