Bhubaneswar: How many fans would travel miles to meet the author they have read all their lives? Well, not even a handful.
However, Debashreeta Mishra Kumar, a fan of writer Manoj Das, is not one from the crowd. She decided to take the first train to Puducherry to meet the author on learning about his deteriorating health.
Speaking to Odisha Bytes from Puducherry, Debashreeta said, “I am much more relieved after meeting him in person at the nursing home. Manoj Sir recognized me and greeted me as always with a smile.
“I volunteered to accompany him to JIPMER and Manoj Sir also gave his permission to stay with him at the hospital. However, I was not allowed to do so due to COVID-19 protocols,” Debashreeta, a spiritual seeker, added.
Debashreeta said, “I just could not stop myself after listening about his health condition. The only reason I decided to take a train during this COVID-19 time and reach Puducherry was Manoj Sir.”
Setting out on the train journey amidst all the COVID-19 scare and leaving behind her three-year-old daughter at her mother’s house in Bhubaneswar, the only thing that ruled Debashreeta’s mind all through the journey was Manoj Sir’s health and well-being.
Her husband Navjot Kumar, who works in Kolkata, supported her decision calling it a “selfless mission”.
Debashreeta, who spent around 5 hours with her star writer, informed, “I stayed in the nursing home where Sir was undergoing treatment from 1.30 pm to 6 pm, after which when he was shifted to JIPMER. He had little fever and he rested. I did not make him talk too much. I sat beside him in silence.”
Manoj Das was shifted to JIPMER in Puducherry, where he is presently undergoing treatment, on Wednesday evening.
“Sir himself wanted to stay in the nursing home. But his treatment required better medical facilities and so he had to be shifted to JIPMER. I, as well as all his fans, are relieved with the Odisha Government’s decision,” she added.
The daughter of writer Raghunandan Mishra, Debashreeta was introduced to Das’ books by her father at the age of 10. The first few books that she read are Laxmi Ra Abhisara, Sesa Basanta Ra Chithi and Kanaka Upatyakara Kahani besides Amruta Phala.
For someone who has been a regular visitor to Sri Aurobinda Ashram, the place where she met Manoj Sir for the first time, her care and concern for his health makes one wonder about God-gifted relationships.
We all pray for the early recovery of Manoj Das, the Padma Shri and Padma Bhusan awardee from Odisha.
Also Read: Ailing Odisha Writer Manoj Das Shifted To JIPMER
Also Read: JIPMER Docs To Update Odisha Govt On Ailing Writer Manoj Das’ Health Today
