Son Of A Farmer, Astounds The World Of Glamour! - Jai Nayak

“I was born and brought up in a village of Kendrapada in which, till date, you won’t find proper roads and adequate electricity. My father, a farmer, worked really hard to provide for my education in the midst of all the adversities. I did my graduation from Ravenshaw University. It was during my graduation itself that I realized that I should try and go for modelling. Like everyone else, I, too, had an affinity for movies and the glamour world.

I stayed in BBSR for 2 months, but the lack of facilities for modelling led me to Kolkata. Directly heading to Mumbai was not a possibility for me, considering my financial background. My parents, being from a remote village, didn’t have much idea about modelling. Hence, by telling them that I was going to Kolkata to do a Cost Accountancy course, I went ahead. I knew it was a lie, but I also knew that it was necessary.

Kolkata was very new to me. I had no contacts and finding my way through the city was immensely difficult. I did a modelling course, made a portfolio and set out looking for work. In the end, I managed to stay in Kolkata for around 3 years and did whatever came my way.

My experience in Kolkata made things a tad bit easier for me in Mumbai. I didn’t have to run around for work as much as I did in Kolkata and my confidence had also reached a new height. I did go through rejection because of my skin color. It’s just how the world functions. Despite all, it’s been 7-8 years now that I am In Mumbai, making a career out of my passion. My family, though not quite familiar with my job, is proud of me. They realized why I had to lie and have no complaints.

Since the past 3 years, I have been into CrossFit. It mesmerized me and I took part in all of their competitions. Today, I am in the Top 100 (India) and I am aiming to take it to a higher level by being in the Top 10. I know it’s a long shot, but I am determined.” – Jai Nayak.    

My life, My rules! - Krutanjali Mohanty

 "Tracing back to my roots, my grandmother is a Maharashtrian and my grandfather is an Odia, so our family is full of ardent food lovers. I have been chubby since I was a baby and my younger self never had to face body shaming. But, as I grew, my body shape started concerning people who hardly mattered to me. In my higher secondary years, I had few friends who used to pass disgusting comments, contributing to my already ‘collapsed’ self-confidence. 

When I moved out of my place for my higher studies to ASBM University, I got a chance to meet and explore with people belonging to different states and cultures and it is there, where I got surrounded by a lot of positive people and friends who made me feel absolutely beautiful and okay about my body. 

Recently, one of my friend ridiculed my body type and that forced me to doubt my calibre. After overcoming from that incident, I made up my mind to raise my voice against this issue and also make sure that I provide enough motivation to my fellow friends who are going through the same. Social Media is an equalizer and in today’s world it has helped matters go through the roof. The first time when I posted my writings on Instagram, I felt so relieved and eventually got a lot of support and appreciation from my teachers, friends and family in return and also the same guy rang me up and apologised for his actions. 

My father has been the biggest cheer leader of my life, he has never stopped me from having the foods I love or dresses I like to wear. Recently, my brother had an arranged marriage and my sister in law is quite healthy and she often shares with me how guys have rejected her due to her weight, and I’m so blessed that my family has never made her feel that in any way. The sad truth is that society gets carried away with external looks and refuse to see one’s qualities, inner beauty or abilities, which is so shameful. I just want to say to all the people that never shatter someone’s confidence just because they don’t fit in ‘your ideal weight category’.”- Krutanjali Mohanty

It's just the beginning! - Jyotirmayee Nayak

 "I was the favourite kid of my family. From my parents to my relatives, everyone loved me well. My papa used to be an ambitious student . He struggled a lot to succeed in his life. Even, after getting a chance to study at NIT, Rourkela ,he lost it due to financial problems. Hence, he always wishes to see me at that position where he couldn't be. He provides us a beautiful life and we have nothing to complain him. My mom, a housewife, always says "Do whatever, but remember to make your own identity!".

After scoring well in10th, I took science, as my papa wanted me to be a doctor. Even after 3 years of preparation, I was unable to crack NEET. Things went downhill after that. People around me started treating me like a loser. My parents, being hurt, remained silent. 

Amidst all this chaos, one day, I just randomly cooked pasta for myself. It suddenly made me realize how great I am with food. Even, my friends used to take my suggestion for any food related query and then I decided to start food blogging. I was eager and unafraid because I was going after what I loved. Thus, today, I have a small family of "cuttack.diary".  

Blogging isn't as easy as it seems. You have to balance your study and blogging. You have to go different places to collect your content and sometimes, being a girl, makes it a bit difficult. You have to be consistent and patient. To get a good angle, you have to  stand in the hot sun near a hot tandoor and also sit on the floor of a restaurant. I know I am a beginner, but I ain't giving up." - Jyotirmayee Nayak

Man VS Wild - Subham Kumar Rout

“On my 16th birthday, my brother and I had been to a temple where we spotted a small snake struggling inside an artificial pond, to find its way out. Without giving any second thoughts I spontaneously went forward and lifted the snake out, with bare hands. The feeling of touching a snake was surreal and that ignited my interest and curiosity to know more about snakes. Back then, due to lack of resources it was quite difficult to gather information hence, I started watching NAT GEO on tv. In my +2, I opted for Zoology only for the reason that I could get access to reptile related books, because access to books in library solely depended on choice of subjects.

My zoology teacher who was a researcher in the field of herpetology, also helped me to a great extent. I had also subscribed to the monthly magazine, called ‘TELL ME WHY?’ that featured different animals each month, and that made me realize that not only reptiles but all animals are special. Due to peer pressure, I gave up on my wish of pursuing BSc-Zoology and took up B.Tech. Due to unwillingness, I had no zeal in the first year until I got a call from Aakash Mishra, head of a NGO, who was looking for volunteers. I was too excited to work and eventually when I discovered that the pace was too slow in there, I got disheartened. One day while randomly going through the friend list of Mr.Aakash Mishra, I came across profiles of rescuers. I sent requests and tried to grab as much information I could.

 In my second year, I got a chance to work in the NGO of lawyer Bibhudatta Jena, where I learnt the art of rescuing snakes in different situations. My first rescue was of a cobra in Puri. My college has supported me immensely when I had to go for rescue missions in between my lectures. I have also done many awareness camps and workshops on snake bites. Throughout my family was unaware, until they caught me rescuing a rat-snake in our neighborhood, so I had to convince them a lot about my passion for reptiles. Thereafter, I was working under Chandaka forest division where I discovered my aim of becoming a Divisional Forest Officer and currently I'm preparing for the same.”- Subham Kumar Rout

UN Environment Hero! - Subhranshu Satpathy

 

“My Father is a forest officer. Thus, I was brought up quite away from the hustle and bustle of city life and had developed interest towards nature and wildlife. Eventually, when we moved out from this place, we realised that there is no other place like this one. In other places, instead of trees, there were buildings, instead of birds sitting on a tree branch, there were birds lying dead on an electric wire. My Maa loves birds and because of her, I love them too. Thus, when I saw all these disturbing sights, I decided to do something for them.

I came up with the idea of making a film on this topic. We all know how impactful movies are! My film, “They Really Need Us”, highlighted the art of giving water to birds. Birds don’t really get along with humans because of the fear of being hurt or caught. So, I wanted to give them water in an environment which is natural to them. Thus, after 3 years of hard work, my movie came into being. UK Wildlife Films recognised me as the, “Youngest Indian Environment Filmmaker”. Titanic’s DOP also appreciated me. The movie even received a Dada Saheb Phalke award.

We screened the movie in various schools, online platforms and screening festivals. Every summer, I go to schools and donate mud pots so that it can be used to water the birds. After knowing the cause, the potter also started giving me a discount. He said,” This will be my contribution towards nature conservation”.

To end plastic pollution, I also created the longest human chain of Odisha. This was an initiative under the UN. I have been working for them for 3 years now. They recognised my efforts and honoured me with the “UN Environment Hero” award in 2020.

I do understand the concept of development, but it has to take place keeping nature in consideration. Going after development by absolutely ignoring nature, is a grave problem that humanity is bringing upon itself.” – Subhransu Satpathy.

To watch Subhransu's movies, click the links given below:

https://youtu.be/IL8goj8Za9Y

https://youtu.be/zQrDmX5uYvU

Dogs = Pawfect Companions! - Nabya Nisyanda Das

"My first walk was possible because of my then dog. Not any human hand, but his support enabled me to take my first steps as a kid. Since childhood, I was so much into dogs that I adopted one from school. He is still with me, but due to his aggression, we have kept him on our terrace.

Rocky (Brown Lab) came into my life when I was in school and our family had just lost one of the two dogs with whom I spent my childhood. He was ray of hope in my life. I used to share my feelings with him and somehow, it felt that he understood every bit of it. However, after some years, Rocky developed a lump on his neck. We took him to the vet, but the vet gave the wrong medicines. Unfortunately, due to this, he left us. He left us with unimaginable pain from which recovery is difficult. He truly meant the world to me. I miss his tantrums and laziness. He didn’t like going out at all. He would always grumble when we would take him out. 

Bathing my dogs is the funniest thing on Earth. Rocky loved bathing so much that he would go out when it’s raining and enjoy himself, but Snoopy (White Lab) hates taking a bath. The efforts I had to give for them was compensated by the love they offered. 

When I am sad, I just sit quietly in one corner of my house. Rocky could sense it immediately and he would come, place his paw on my lap and start licking me. When I am happy, both Rocky and Snoopy get super excited. When I play with other dogs, they get jealous and HOW! I literally have to say to them, “It was a one-time thing and you are the only ones”." – Nabya Nisyanda Das.

Nothing worth having comes easy! - MasterChef Abinas Nayak

“Festivals for me held a lot of importance because of the pomp and show, the family get-to-togethers and the food. ‘Na patha, na satha’ - this proverb was like my second name. Till 6th, I scored below average and almost failed in Hindi. Then, my grandparents decided to send me to my aunt at Sundargarh, for a change in environment.

 In 7th, I joined the school where my scholar cousin was an alumnus. It took a toll on my confidence. To balance my insecurities, I started showing off my paintings and the response was overwhelming! Gradually, I started performing well. I was recognized as the all-rounder of the school. 

    

Having scored 99 in science in boards, I wanted to be a doctor, but my family denied due to the lack of funds. I was sad, but in +2, seeing my roommate mugging up scientific names, I considered myself lucky. I was posted in INFOSYS, Trivandrum, for my job and the thought of not having Odia food felt worrisome. Luckily, I shared my room with an Odia guy and my cravings of “ghar ka khana” awakened the chef in me! Eventually, it became difficult to match timings with my roommate and it's then I started experimenting with Odia cuisine.  I participated in cooking contests. I failed at first, but never lost hope! Anmol and I also organized the first ever Odia pop-up.

 Then, came up the ‘MasterChef India’ auditions. I qualified for the Mumbai audition which was aired and since I was denied a sabbatical leave of 4 months, I resigned from the job without informing my family. From my audition to finale, Loki Madireddi’s words, ‘Never fight for fame, but work in your comfort zone and give your best’ were on my mind.

I prepared Odia dishes every chance I got. I retained the original Odia name of the dish so that the identity remains intact. On the finale, I was amazed to see my grandmother. Though the shoot was long, she stayed on set to see me. With all the pressure, my grandmother’s ‘dozing off while sitting’  moments gave a smile on everyone's face. The winning moment was surreal. My family and friends have supported me immensely and lastly, I’d like to tell my fellow Odias that never be ashamed of our cuisine, there’s so much to explore.”– MasterChef Abinas Nayak.

 

Always does it RIGHT! -Frederick Wright

“My MA results were out and I, surprisingly, had stood first in my University and conventionally, was offered a job as a lecturer in Ravenshaw University. Ever since, it has been a dream run. I learnt the art of captivating my students using my creativity around words and writing. As my lessons advanced, the students’ crowd went beyond what I was assigned. It so used to happen that the very next lecture- Chemistry, taken by the Principal himself- was delayed often because of how engrossing the Literature lectures would turn for me as well as my students. I was the youngest lecturer in a major department of the Uni back then; I was called to the Principal’s and he was unusually impressed- the way I had kept him waiting for his lessons and how interested the children were in my class. 

Teaching, for me, has always been more of a relationship than a profession. I always had jam-packed classrooms, mesmerized students, rapt attention. Once it so happened- I noticed this boy in my class, sleeping on the very first bench. I spent the day wondering ‘how could I bore this one boy?’. The same happened the next English class; I woke him up after class- he hadn’t even realized the class had ended. We went on a walk, stopped at a tea shop and I offered him samosas. The way he ate it- I realized the boy had been hungry. On interacting further, he broke out to me that his father was a beggar in the village; he had fared well in school and joined college. He slept in a man’s garage, fed on the leftovers- in return, he tutored his 2 children. I was so upset. I got him enrolled in the free accommodating hostel and mess, despite the hesitation there. The boy did really well and went on to become an OAS and deputy collector. 

Teaching has been such an adventure into the imagination of people’s minds. In all my years of career, these were little things that have mattered more. Educating is so rewarding, and I’m immensely happy to be remembered by my students.” -Frederick Wright