Bishnupada Sethi, a recipient of distinguished alumnus award from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela as well as National Institute of Industrial Engineering, Mumbai had joined the Indian Administrative Service in the year 1995. Currently, he is posted as the Principal Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Dept. and Department of Information and Public Relations under Odisha Goverment.
By serving in various underdeveloped regions of the State like Kandhamal, Gajapati, Sonepur, Nuapada, Rayagada, he got deep insights into the lives of common people and handled their issues with great sensitivity for which National Human Rights Commission, which was then monitoring starvation deaths in KBK region appreciated his role. He got President's silver medal for conducting Census of 2011. As the Special Relief Commissioner, Sethi's performance on Managing Super Cyclone ‘FANI' had been highly acclaimed throughout the world including International Bodies like the UNITED NATIONS as the best practice.
He has published a number of articles and several books. His English poetry books namely, (1) Where Shall I go! (2) My World of Words (3) Beyond Feelings (4) Beyond Here & Other Poems have been received well and translated to other languages.
Shri Sethi received Bhima Bhoi Award for contribution to popularize Mahima philosophy in Odisha state. SARALA SAHITYA SANSAD felicitated him for contribution to mystic poetry.
I was feeling hurt
Bullied, desolate and bereft-
Sobbingly, I looked out
For those firm hands,
...
There is more chill
In the air than usual.
The night appeared heavier.
Though thenearby landmass was duty bound
...
Of imperfections
Of unsatisfying deeds
Of short lasting glories
Of feeble desires
...
You sat across
And talked mundane matters
While not noticing-
I was becoming restless.
...