Prof. Satya Mohapatra, A man way ahead of his time, in Disability Rehabilitation and Empowerment reviewing thousands with his exceptional initiative of Margdarsi!

Over the last three decades, an institution in Odisha has quietly transformed the landscape of disability rehabilitation and manpower development. The Institute of Health Science, a unit of Margdarsi, was founded by Prof. Satya Mohapatra. Born and raised in the small town of Barampur, Odisha, he belonged to a large family of nine siblings. His educational journey began with humble roots, leading to the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing under Mysore University, where he pursued audiology. It was in April 1983 that he completed his post-graduation and immediately embarked on a mission to address the unmet needs of the disabled in Odisha. The state lacked basic facilities for individuals suffering from disabling conditions, and thus, the first speech and hearing rehabilitation institute was born.

Despite the noble intent and urgent social need, the early efforts were met with obstacles. Odisha and much of India were not yet equipped to support disability-related matters. This pioneering institute, despite its vision, could not sustain operations and was closed in 1987. He left Odisha, determined to revive his mission, eventually resigning from his government position in Bhopal and returning home in 1995 to lay the foundations of Margdarsi. That same year, the Indian government promulgated the Persons with Disabilities Act, giving a glimmer of hope to his efforts.

Referring to this period, he says, “It was not just about building an institution, it was about creating a movement for those left unheard and unseen in our society.”

The Institute of Health Science was established in 1999, starting with undergraduate and postgraduate programs in audiology, speech-language pathology, and physiotherapy. In those early days, India had yet to fully embrace the gravity of disability issues, and he tirelessly fought for the recognition of disabilities such as autism. His efforts extended to pushing for the creation of government departments dedicated to disabilities, laying the groundwork for what has become a holistic center for disability rehabilitation.

Today, the Institute provides a comprehensive suite of services for over 21 recognized types of disabilities. Offering diagnostic and integrative rehabilitation services, the focus is on developing a patient's functional skills to near-normal levels, often allowing them to re-enter mainstream society. What was once a small endeavor now stands as a beacon of hope, having delivered over 30 lakh hours of professional care, and helping countless individuals regain their independence and dignity.

Government recognition was hard-fought, with him working relentlessly to ensure the provisions of the 1995 act were implemented in Odisha. The Institute has not only succeeded in providing critical services but also led research efforts, published journals and textbooks, and organized events to raise awareness on conditions like deafness and autism.

He once said, “True empowerment comes when we create an ecosystem where individuals with disabilities are not just rehabilitated, but are also given the tools to thrive independently.”

The Institute’s success is underscored by its unique approach. By offering integrative therapies under one roof, patients benefit from a team-based approach to care. This comprehensive methodology is vital, especially for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, intellectual disabilities, and attention-deficit hyperactive disorder. The ultimate goal is to improve a child’s communication, cognitive abilities, and behavior, often enabling them to shed their diagnosis and thrive in mainstream educational settings.

It’s a monumental task, but one that continues to bear fruit. Over the years, his institute has grown, both in scope and quality. Recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC), which granted the Institute autonomous status, marked a major milestone. This achievement made the Institute the first in India, dealing with disability studies and rehabilitation science, to receive such recognition. Although a nonprofit, the Institute sustains itself with token charges while serving hundreds daily. Its staff of 150 works tirelessly to handle a wide range of conditions, from Parkinson’s disease and chronic depression to musculoskeletal and communication disorders. The focus remains steadfast on empowering individuals with disabilities to lead productive and near-normal lives.

Perhaps its most significant achievement lies in its ability to rehabilitate children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Many children have transitioned from requiring intensive care to attending mainstream schools without additional support. It’s a source of immense pride for him and his team, a testament to the power of holistic care.

“Our mission is far from complete. We must continue to scale and reach every corner of the country, because every life we touch transforms not just one individual but the entire community around them.”

The goal now is to scale the Institute’s services nationwide, expanding from physical centers to virtual and tele-rehabilitation services. Public participation and volunteerism will be crucial in this expansion, ensuring that the platform becomes broad-based and capable of serving even more individuals in need.

For him, this journey has never been about personal financial gain. His driving force has always been to address the severe societal problems caused by disabilities and to do whatever he could to mitigate them. As he introspects, it's clear that he planted the seeds of change long ago, and today those seeds have flourished into a respected and impactful institution. The work continues, with the vision of a healthier, more inclusive society where disabilities no longer define or limit the potential of individuals.