Digambar Mishra

With profound sadness, we bid farewell to Dr. Digambar Mishra, a distinguished professor and revered community leader from Odisha, who passed away on April 15, 2025. His legacy of academic excellence, selfless service and unwavering dedication for the community will forever be etched in our hearts.

Born on May 8, 1938, in Kamalpur Village, Odisha, India, Dr. Mishra's remarkable journey from rural India to becoming a prominent educator in the United States is a testament to his unrelenting passion and intellectual rigor. His life's work has inspired countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on the academic community.

As a distinguished academic, Dr. Mishra's impactful career as Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama, has left a lasting legacy in higher education. His academic foundation is robust, beginning with a Master of Arts from Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Odisha, in 1967. He furthered his studies in the United States, earning a Master of Public Administration in 1975 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science , both from the University of Alabama.

These credentials equipped him with a deep understanding of political systems, governance and public policy, which he shared generously with his students and colleagues. As a professor, Dr. Mishra inspired countless students with his passion for knowledge, fostering critical thinking, leadership and a commitment to serving society. His passion and support for Civil Rights garnered the privilege of working on a committee to establish MLK as a nationally recognized holiday as well as the honor of having his name inscribed on the Lynn Park Statue.

Dr. Mishra served as President of the Odisha Society of the Americas (OSA) from 1991 to 1993. His leadership during this period significantly contributed to the Odia community in North America, and his broader impact was recognized in 2006 when he received the Distinguished Odia Award from the Non-Resident Odia Facilitation Centre (NROFC). Dr. Mishra's leadership fostered a supportive environment for Odia immigrants, encouraging networking and mutual support.

Dr. Misra is survived by his wife, Jyotsna; his son, Anoop (Manisha); daughter, Likun (Kumar); and three grandchildren, Annikah, Adesh, and Ayaan.

We pray for the onward journey of his departed soul. Om Shanti.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a memorial donation to The Parkinson's Foundation (please see the link below)