Break The Loop - Neha Swain

"I have grown up in Rourkela and the most fascinating thing about it is that it's like a Mini India. Due to the Steel Plant, every state's glimpse can be found in this city. When I went out for higher studies, I realized the warmth that my hometown had offered to me. 

While a teenager, I used to play basketball and had also represented Odisha in tournaments. During this time, I realized how disregarded this sport was, especially in case of women. Later, I was selected to go for training for the National Team, but I dropped. 

Being passionate about social work, I co-founded an organization called, "Rubaroo", a youth based organization. At this time, my parents wanted me to get married and then go where my husband's job took him. But, being an independent woman entrepreneur and working in Rubaroo, made me want to break the narrative which demanded the woman to migrate because of her husband's job. 

Later, my mother was detected with cancer. The problems of managing Rubaroo, looking after my mother and also my marriage kept piling one upon the other. The amazing Rubaroo team and Rubaroo's co-founder, Monisha, became my biggest strength.

Finding a guy for me was the most tedious, yet hilarious experience. Words like, "entrepreneur", "founder of an NGO" on my Matrimony Website bio, just got me rejections and nothing else. Through all the proposals that came my way, someone wanted me to go to America, someone wanted me to go some other place, but I had decided to stay put, because Rubaroo meant serious business to me. 

Finally, I met my husband, Cyril. He decided to shift for me to Hyderabad because he understood my job. My father always jokes saying that after so many Amars, Akbars and Anthonys, I finally found an Anthony, who just syncs with me. 

He moved in with me and my family, which is so unusual in Indian households. My mother needed extreme care and I had to be with her and Cyril knew this. Later, in 2019, I lost my mother. 

Today, I continue to work towards gender inclusiveness with Rubaroo. I have also been awarded by the Queen for the work that we have achieved. I believe in equality and I know it's fruits are sweet. I want everyone to have it and this dream helps me wake up everyday!'' - Neha Swain.