From Civil Service to Mission: Odisha Man’s Faith-Led Decision Builds a New Community

Odisha, February 6, 2026: At a time when career stability and social prestige are widely seen as measures of success, a former senior official from Odisha’s Excise Department chose a markedly different path—one shaped by faith, conscience, and long-term commitment to community life.

Patra (name changed), formerly a civil servant with a secure salary and benefits, resigned from government service after concluding that his professional responsibilities conflicted with his growing spiritual convictions. Associated with the Joshipur Mission in Odisha, he said that the more he immersed himself in the Word, the more "the Word of God and the work of the Church disturbed his conscience", forcing him to choose between a secure career and a clear soul.

The turning point came in 1999, when the friction became unbearable, leading Patra to realise that the nature of his work "conflicted with his faith". Deeply "convinced by the Gospel", he made the radical decision to resign from his life as a civil servant and move his family to Khodokai village. It was a leap into the unknown where "embracing Jesus as Lord and Saviour" meant trading institutional prestige for a life of profound uncertainty and potential hardship.

Despite these challenges, Patra remained steadfast. He has consistently maintained that he does not regret the decision, viewing the sacrifices as integral to his calling. Over the years, his quiet and sustained engagement with the local population gradually altered the region’s social and spiritual landscape.

What began as an isolated household has since grown into a developing Catholic community, reflecting decades of grassroots witness and service. Observers within the mission describe the outcome as a testament to perseverance and faith-driven leadership, noting that the community’s growth has had a lasting impact beyond material measures of success.

For Patra, the transformation of Khodokai stands as the enduring legacy of his decision—one that, he believes, underscores the value of living in accordance with conscience and faith, even at significant personal cost.

Patra’s journey makes us stop and think:  Are we really listening to that quiet voice in our hearts, or are we letting the noise of a "comfortable life" drown it out? In the end, Patra’s life shows us that when we have the guts to step out of our comfort zone for God, the reward isn't just a better life for us—it’s a legacy that changes the lives of everyone around us.

By Catholic Connect Reporter