Many people are known for their eminence, their  ability and achievements, but there are only few who can be truly defined as a complete personality. Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy perhaps qualifies for that honor. His depth of knowledge and wisdom helps him to don many hats at a time. Apart from being an eminent philanthropist, Dr. Satpathy is also known for his meaningful contributions in the field of Indian philosophy, education and culture. His academic and philosophical leanings are largely attributed to the influences of the Spiritual Masters including Swami Vivekananda whom he considers to be his intellectual guide. Dr. Satpathy’s accomplishment as a writer, orator, author, musician, composer and mentor has earned him accolades from his peers and followers across the world. 

 

After obtaining his master degree in political science from Delhi University, Dr. Satpathy taught Political Science at the Hastinapur College (presently known as Motilal Nehru College), Delhi University for about two years. Subsequently, he qualified for the prestigious Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1972 and served under the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh. Dr. Satpathy has also held key positions in various departments of the Government of India, Government Of Uttar Pradesh and reputed public sector undertakings of the G.O.I. After having put in about 36 years of service, he retired at the level of Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh in the year 2008.  He was deservingly honored with many awards and accolades, including the Police Medal for Gallantry, Meritorious Services, and for Distinguished Services bestowed by the President of India.

 

Right from an early age, Dr. Satpathy had a keen interest in spirituality, literature, and associated esoteric sciences. His thirst for knowledge of the divine and intent to help others led him to explore the lives of the saints and spiritual practitioners. During his search, he came across one such book on Shri Shirdi Sai Baba, named Shri Sai Charita. An intense desire was born within him to know more about the saint from Maharashtra, Shri Shirdi Sai Baba. This led to a visit to the Holy Shrine of Shri Sai Baba located in Shirdi (Maharashtra) in November 1989. That visit was mystical in a way, and he felt an instant bond and connect with Shri Sai. Thereafter Dr. Satpathy embarked upon a journey to spread the teachings and philosophy of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba. 

 

He is currently playing a pioneering role in spreading the teachings of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba and has engaged himself with setting up of organizations, institutions, forums and creating literature and music related to Shri Shirdi Sai Baba, an enlightened saint of the 19th century.

 

An accomplished author, he has written several books, poetries, stories and articles in English, Hindi and Oriya languages. A number of books written by Dr. Satpathy on Shirdi Sai Baba, The Perfect Masters, Guru Parampara, Cosmogony and related topics have been translated into various foreign languages such as German, Spanish, Nepalese, English and Slovenian and in nine Indian languages including Sanskrit and Hindi. Since the last 20 years, he has been contributing articles to more than 20 magazines such as Sai Divine (English), Sai Ananta (Marathi), Heritage of Shirdi Sai (English), Sai Baani (Odia), etc., published from India and abroad. His books and articles focus on philanthropic, philosophical, cultural and ethical issues. Dr. C.B. Satpathy has also written literary, social satires in his mother tongue Odia. For his literary contribution, he has been honored with many leading awards and felicitations in India and abroad. His magnum opus ‘Shri Guru Bhagavat’ was acknowledged by the President of India, Dr. Pratibha Patil. Under his able guidance, Shri Sai Satcharitra, has been translated into the Brail language and has been distributed freely among the blind devotees.

 

Dr. Satpathy is a person with great poetic and musical acumen. The songs written and composed by him have been sung by many reputed singers in India. The premier music company in India, Times Music has released Hindi albums “Living With Sai,” “Aao Sai” and “Sai Mantra – Thubyam Namami” under its banner in 2010 and 2011.  Another leading music company HMV Saregama has released Mantra albums “Shri Sainathaya Namah Namah” and “Hiranyagarbha Shriman Narayan Sai.” His musical compositions have also been rendered in various albums in Odia and Telugu. Musical rendition of Shri Guru Bhagavat, recorded by many well-known singers, has been released in six Indian regional languages such as Odia, Bhojpuri, Gurumukhi, Maithili, Telugu, and Assamese. 

 

Dr. Satpathy has been instrumental in the establishment of more than 250 organizations including Shirdi Sai Baba temples, school, dispensaries and community centers worldwide, in countries like USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc.  These centers are spreading the essence of Sai philosophy and are engaged in charitable activities like organizing medical camps, providing relief and rehabilitation during natural disasters, sponsoring education for the underprivileged and spreading hidden culture.

 

Thus, over the decades, through his humanistic endeavors, Dr. Satpathy has helped to bridge the gap between the people of various nations and nationalities carrying the message on noble principles of humanity, love, and compassion. 

 

For his exemplary contribution as a spiritual thinker, philosopher, and philanthropist, he was honored with the ‘BUILDING BRIDGES ACROSS THE NATIONS AWARD’ by WASITRAC (Washington State India Trade Relation Action Committee) in Seattle, The State of Washington on the 27th of September 2012 during the 1st Washington state Summit on US-India Trade and Commerce.

 

On the 24th of June 2015, the US Congress invited Dr. Satpathy, to open the session of the House of Representatives with an invocation as a Guest Chaplain. This was a rare honor as he was the first Indian to have received such an invitation. 

 

Dr. C.B. Satpathy has been conferred with D. Litt. (Doctorate of Literature), by the Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth (National Sanskrit University) in Tirupati and the prestigious Ravenshaw University in Cuttack. He was also awarded an LL. D. (Doctorate of Law) by the Berhampur University, the D. Sc. (Doctorate of Science) by the SOA University, Bhubaneswar in Odisha, the D. Litt. (Doctorate of Literature) by North Odisha University, Baripada, the Honoris Caussa by the Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, the D. Litt. (Doctorate of Literature) by KIIT Deemed University, Bhubaneswar. He has also been bestowed with numerous awards in India in recognition of his outstanding contributions in the field of music. 

 

Dr. Satpathy regularly devotes his time and energy in interacting with people including students, scholars the differently abled and various forums across the globe. A firm believer and practitioner of simplicity in all aspects of life, Dr. Satpathy, is dedicated to selfless service to humanity in addition to spiritual, artistic, literary and philanthropic excellence.

 

He also patronizes organizations dedicated to critical social causes. In his extraordinary journey, Dr. Satpathy founded the Shirdi Sai Global Foundation and C.B. Satpathy Cultural Foundation to further his mission of philanthropy and humanistic cultural endeavors.