Posted by Taranisen Pattnaik
(A freelance writer esp on Odisha & its culture, based at Bhubaneswar & a matchbox collector)
Recently met Sri Purna Chandra Behera, one of the quite enthusiastic among the newest matchbox collectors that, I have personally known and met. He has been born and brought up at Mangalajodi in Khordha district and is a birding guide at Mangalajodi wetlands, popular for its bird’s paradise. Since, he is into tourism, he regularly meets new visitors and guests, both Indian and foreigners who in turn helps him in his matchbox collection by donating some mbs to him. In this process, he has also got currency notes and coins of various countries as tips from tourists which he proudly preserves in his album. His wife and son are also supportive in his passion for collection.
One good thing about him is that he can instantly identify any bird, whether migratory or resident, at Mangalajodi wetlands without referring any field books. His profession has turned him into an environmentalist and he always tries to protect the innocent birds and animals at his locality from the evil eyes of poachers. Coming to phillumeny again, he chanced upon this hobby in 2013, when he saw that there’s enough varieties of mbs available which can be tuned into a hobby due to its low cost. He also owes his collection to Mr Shashanka Sekhar Dash (eminent news paper collector), whom he met in 2010 and was inspired from Mr Dash’s vast collection newspaper from across the globe. Currently Purnaji has more than 600 mbs in his treasure.
MANGALAJODI TODAY 
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