Born :- 14-Apr-1889
Died :- 22-Feb-1969
Place of Birth :- Biribati, Cuttack
Dr. Ratnakar Pati was born in the village Biribati in the undivided Cuttack district. His journey in life started amidst all adverse conditions that a boy of a poor family has normally to pass through. He covered on foot all the distance from Biribati to Pyarimohan Academy and Ravenshaw College and back passing through all hurdles associated with walking for a long distance.
His sense of self-esteem is evident from a single instance, which was part of his personality till his last days. While in college once he applied for waiver of fees. But he avoided attaching a certificate of poverty.
A brilliant student, and hardworking, Pati completed his PG course with with high merit. He took up job at Ravenshaw as a lecturer in the Department of Philosophy and for a short period was in the Odia Department. Later, he was promoted as a Professor.
Societal thought and idealism were the embellishments of Pati’s personal character. He made invaluable contribution to help the needy students. He derived inspiration from philosophical books to elevate the value of his life as well as the value of that of the students.
Finding that contemporary Odia literature lacked good essays, he regularly wrote essays which were published in various journals. He also authored the book ‘History of Philosophy’ in English. His essays contained philosophical outlook, spiritual consciousness, and a constructive inspiration for an ideal life. In his writings, he provides insight into the complex issues and problems of human life, as well as the illumination of philosophy to finally come to a solution. His arguments are rational, systematic, and the presentation of the subject is theoretical, analytical, and impacting. All this profoundly influenced the readers.
Ratnakar Pati was a generous, knowledgeable, incomparably talented, pious and moderate human being. After retiring from government service, he engaged himself in many social and cultural activities.
He was also President of the Utkal Sahitya Samaj, Cuttack. Pursuit of Study and analysis of Philosophy and literature was his way of life. His essays are generally scientifically sound, culturally conscious, and literarily glorious. ‘Bibartanbad’, ‘Swapna Tatwa’ and ‘Prabandha Prakash’ are strong examples of his extraordinary creativity.
