Finding Life In Words! - Bhubaneswar Poetry Club

“In 2015, taking forward the idea of poetry presentation, Anshuman, Dibyaswarupa, Adyasha, Padma, Ananta, Sourav and Nikila started as a Facebook chat group only. Finally, the group met, and came into existence ‘Bhubaneswar Poetry Slam’, later being changed to ‘Bhubaneswar Poetry Club’.

We began as a group of enthusiasts who believed in presenting poems outside the context of books and wanted to nourish the culture of spoken word poetry. Why be a poet or performer, when you can be both! Eventually people started joining us and we grew as a community into a club, as known today.

We have been operational for 6 years now. We started an event, ‘Ars Poetica’, which has no linguistic or other restrictions to the form of poetry, and have had 17 editions of it. We conduct ‘Parenthesis’, in which we conduct a workshop on slam poetry, followed by a competition and also a lot of other events, like ‘Ekphrasis’, and ‘Canopy’.

In 2018, we had the opportunity to conduct ‘Human Library. We are the first ones in Odisha with license from the original Human Library Forum in Denmark. The event was a huge success, and we are looking forward to organizing more of it. We have had 2 sessions of ‘Jingle Spells’, which is another huge event. In the 1st edition, we wrote poems, printed them, and hid them in the books of libraries and cafes. The 2nd edition was a culmination of art forms, where we celebrated poetry, music, and had local artists showcase their talents.

We have had our share in the Kalinga Literary Festival. We have been called to judge events in IIT KGP, AIIMS and others. We do events in different cafes in town. While some let us do them for free, some demand a minimum billing to be generated from the gathering. We are also planning to conduct a large-scale poetry festival, pairing up with places to share mutual benefits. During the lockdown, we pulled off a series of online events, which went by the name ‘Rete Poetica’.

We also send out email newsletters, called ‘Love and Light’, trying to share joy through our efforts. We are completely community driven and each one who has attended our events is a part of us and has enriched us.” – Bhubaneswar Poetry Club

Groomin' Talents - Saugato

""I grew up in a musician-filled family. But, as for me, I couldn't sing well nor could I play an instrument. I had a soft corner for music and wanted to do something along that line. I knew that even if I could not create music, I can surely curate it.

In college, for the want of pocket money, I used my connections and began organizing concerts. After repeated endeavors as such, I lost my interest in B.Tech(not that I had any in the beginning). My contacts and my shows increased. During this time, I also made sure to support and bring up as many new talents as possible. . 

With a job in hand, I went to Bangalore. There, I did pub shows. Gradually, after much research and introspection, I decided to quit my job and pursue Music Supervision in Mumbai. I gained a lot of insights from Azeem Dayani and Ankur Tewari(renowned music supervisors of Bollywood). 

Then, Covid happened. I had to come back home and here, I met a friend, Siddharth. Both of us started the music supervision trend here. We groomed a lot of new talents and made a number of songs.  

Being an RJ is also a part of my life. I have interviewed a lot of celebrities. Radio marked the start of my entire journey. I have been opportunistic to meet my favourites like Shaan, A.R. Rahman and others.

Odisha has a lot of potential artists. Being the first music supervisor of Odisha, I plan to provide a platform for all our budding Odia singers and cast them alongside big names of the music industry. Good things are in the pipeline!" - Saugato.

Becoming A Voice For The Deprived- Subasmita Jena

"I look for stories in everything around me, stories that need to be told and heard. I wanted to be that force of change. So, I tried bootstrapping events to raise funds for the deprived.

Birla Global University marked the start of my journey as a  storyteller, through the medium of vlogging.

Being a director, I wanted people to be aware about the lives of underprivileged people. I started working at an NGO to gain deeper knowledge. I was enlightened about their struggles, their silence and their helplessness.  I came up with my first short film Duhita, recently.

I hope my film can help people to realise underprivileged people need our support, empathy and kindness. They have so much potential; all they need is our hand reaching out to lift them up a little bit." - Subasmita Jena.

Importance Of Education - Shweta Agarwal

“In 2013, I was crossing through a basti on a Diwali night with my husband, with no lights in that area. The next year, we planned to secretly keep hand-painted diya packets in front of their doors, but some of the children saw us and declared it before everyone. Those kids shared all the diyas within themselves and their friends. This incident sparked in our hearts the desire to do something more for such underprivileged kids.

In 2015, we started with small painting events in bastis, and while most were drawing mountains and valleys, one kid drew an airport with an airplane, and said that he wanted to become a pilot. There I realized that regular intervention is required to build these children up, so that they can achieve what they dream of.

‘Unmukt Foundation’ was born in 2017, and we rented a small space in Khandagiri. We designed the entire place using waste furniture, and the table was made of an MRI machine cover. On the first day, around 50 children had come, and one of them said that he wanted to become a lift-operator like his uncle, who gets paid only for pressing buttons in an elevator. Another said that he wanted to become a thief so that he would not have to work, and eat stolen food.

One year down the line, in Unmukt, the same children now want to become robotic engineers, artists, leaders, with their dreams having no limit. As I was Hindi speaking, initially most parents used to bang the door on my face - as they were apprehensive about our teaching methods. After 2 years of persuasion, now even in COVID, children come at 5:30 am for self-defense class. During lockdown, we did our classes on footpath even. We had started as a creativity center with classes on weekends, but children loved our approach and us too, due to which we soon become a learning center where we do classes 6-7 days a week.

I had to change schools due to a financial crisis at my home, and I did not want anyone to lack behind in education due to financial issues. When I quit my corporate job as a healthcare architect, I knew from the bottom of my heart, that I wanted to work for education. When you give children the freedom to choose what they want to do, and provide a safe space to excel with their peers, they bloom and shine!” – Shweta Agarwal.

 

Who Says You Can't Be The Best? - Pramita Mohapatra

"I was very slim a girl, but due to a disorder, my weight shot up to 85kgs. I lost my hair and scars developed on my face. My entire look changed and so did my lifestyle, in general. I no longer could participate in school activities. My Principal and school teachers loved me and thus, were taken aback by my lack of participation and deteriorating academics. Moreover, some of my "friends" teased me because of my weight. However. I am glad that I didn't let myself hit rock-bottom because of my circumstances. I knew writing, debating are my strong points and I continued with them. 

In 2015. I went to a mall with my mother. We came across the advertisement for a Femina's pageant and my Mom asked me to enroll in it. Shocked, I asked her how could she even think that I would become a model. But, my Mom insisted and I gave in. I worked out, lost very little weight and went to become a finalist in the event. This was a confidence booster. 

Within 2 years after that event, I was the second runners-up in Femina's Campus Princess(East Zone). I had worked tirelessly to reach this position and lost around 30kgs. Besides this, I also improved my academic performance. 2 years of self-love and self-acceptance led me to the highest of highs. Later, at the age of 22, I was awarded the "Kalinga Samaan Award" by the Odisha Government.I have been actively working with UNICEF. We reach out to the women in the rural areas and raise awareness about menstrual hygiene. It's  truly a privilege to be able to help. I, even, got an opportunity to speak at TEDx, which is so overwhelming. 

I would like to encourage my fellow youngsters to believe that whatever they dream is possible. Work towards it and make it your own. And finally, when you do, don't forget to give back to the society and hence, make this world a kinder place." - Pramita Mohapatra.

Take The Leap - Ritu Jhalani

"I got married in 2017 and I was happy. My Dad was not keeping well and hence, he wanted me to get married. For his sake, I said yes, thinking that maybe it's the time to get settled, and life would be beautiful, as we Indian women are always told that life will be amazing after marriage. I quit my job and shifted away from home with the hope that better days lie ahead.

But, life had something else to offer. I was abused because of my looks and my outlook towards life. My in-laws also charged me because according to them. my father didn't give enough gold to the groom. Deciding to put an end to this treatment, I left my in-laws and my husband. I left a toxic relationship. My husband never hit me, but neither did he speak up for me.

Hearing about my decision, I was asked to shut up and simply adjust. But, it's my life and I was the one suffering. So, my conscience doesn't let me consider their viewpoint.

Six months after divorce, I was not in a good head space, but thanks to my parents, who despite all criticism stood with me and helped me recover. I looked for a new job and started working again.

I got divorced in 2019 and I see myself evolving everyday. I started working out and that helped to feel a lot better. I wrote my story on various platforms and people with similar stories contacted with me and I comforted them.

In 2017, after my marriage, I had started my journey as an entrepreneur, and ‘Indian Weaves’ was born. In these 5 years, I have gained a lot of customers throughout the world, and recently I have sent my Sambalpuri fabrics to a Bollywood designer, who will be using them in a web-series, that is to be streamed on Amazon. I have also spoken in 'Women In Business' Seminar in Balasore.

Moving forward in life, I will be getting married again soon, and will be settling down in life with a wonderful person and a wonderful family. I speak about my experience because I don't want anyone to go through depression as I did. Depression left me hopeless and took all my joy away. Even if something is out of our control, the least we can do is be a good listener to someone! I am so glad that I gave my mental health attention and I'm also helping people out there. Let's normalize taking necessary steps for our mental health, shall we?" - Ritu Jhalani.

A Difficult Walk - Ronak Ram

TW : Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse and Bullying

"I remember to the bones the first time when I learned about myself of the vulnerability to abuse and bullies. Growing up in my home wasn’t very homely. The first time I shivered was in the first grade. I was just leaving for school when I saw my Father beating Mom. These are among all the blemished memories that I have in me.

I was that fat boy in class. I wish people who shame others learn that words have the ability to exploit. The ones who I used to call friends, put me as the last option to fit in their team. Maybe I stopped showing how it wrecks my heart to be mocked at, to be touched at my chest or to be laughed at the shop because I was looking for a plus sized pair of jeans for me and the shirt still didn’t fit well to my overgrown stomach. “Why don’t you wear a bra?” was the exact line from a cousin.

I was taught by this man in his thirties since the third. My love for biological science used to be at its peak. This brought him to a state where in order to teach me about my genitals, he would take my pants off and play his grimy hands on it. I was 12 years old when he jerked me for the first time. After about a year there came a point, I realized whatever is happening isn’t right. With a handful of courage, I told Mom about everything and he was fired.

In the 9^thstd, a packet of condom was found in my school bag(although that’s a different story of I being framed and pulled into this for standing against a group of alcoholic abusers). But who would even believe that? I was a grown up child and I knew what a condom is, that exactly means I brought the one to be used, or to sell maybe? ‘Condom Baba', the entire school would chant.

 

I was suspended for a month. After I was called back to school, in anger, the piece of craft I made was torn apart. I was pushed down the stairs and stepped on my wrist leaving me with a fractured ankle and wrist. Two years I was the one sitting alone, feeling like an untouchable. I gave up writing since then. College continued with the same mockery and bullying. 

There has always been a lump in my throat of all the words I couldn’t say and thus, I decided to resuscitate writing once again. On Instagram I’ve got to learn more from being here, found some good mates who have shown their love.

There are so many days a pain lingers through my chest and within all the restless nights, the only blanket I hide myself into the darkness with is – words. That’s all I have right now." - Ronak Ram.

Odisha's Hip-Hop! - The Android Crew

“Four of us founded the crew back in 2015, and all of us were based out of Puri. We are not a dance group, but a crew, in which all of us have our own individuality, dance style and recognition. We started as a completely underground hip-hop crew, training together with raw knowledge, without any limelight. During the establishment of the crew, Android phones played a crucial role in getting together a lot of underprivileged dancers into the chain, and hence the name ‘The Android Crew’.

 

Initially, we lost a lot of competitions that we participated in, but in CET, Bhubaneswar, we won our first underground street dance battle. We travelled to Bangalore to participate in a big hip-hop jam, called ‘Freeze’, and got along with a lot of other dancers. Though we were losing a lot of such competitions, we kept on training, and kept on travelling to various places.

 

In 2017, the global street dancing competition, ‘Keep On Dancing’ qualifiers happened in India, and only 15 dancers were to be selected to represent India on the global stage. 4 of us from the crew went, trained day and night, won the event in Delhi, and got sponsored to South Korea. Though we lost in the quarter-finals, it was a moment of pride and happiness to host the name of Odisha on the International stage! We also represented Odisha on ‘Breezer Vivid Shuffle’, but lost to Team Delhi in the semi-finals.

 

Due to lack of opportunities in Odisha, we hosted our own events, and invited the best artists from all around India. We brought in people like Prosenjit Kundu and Sambo, who are pioneers of hip-hop in India. We, along with several other dancers, learnt a lot from them through the workshops that we conducted.

We have established our own dance studio, ‘The Grooveyard Dance Studio’, which is the best in Odisha. We still host events, we take the street dance styles to schools and colleges, and we try our best to create opportunities for new dancers to take on the Indian and global stage.” – The Android Crew

Come What May! - Debajita Apta Dangua

"In 1997, I got married at the age of 19. My husband worked in IAF and thus, began my journey of touring all the nooks and corners of India. Our first destination was Baroda. It was my first time outside Odisha and indeed, a learning experience. I interacted with a number of people, adopted their culture, took up cooking, weaving and make-up.

In 2000, my daughter was born. By this time, I had developed an affinity towards baking and knew that this was my calling. I practiced my skills, while taking care of my daughter. Later, I was asked to teach baking in the Air Force Wives Welfare Association.

We returned to BBSR after a while. I didn't want to sit idle. One of my friends noticed my ability and willingness. She had already asked her son to print out posters. We went to a nearby parlor and requested them to put up the poster. Seeing that, a number of women came to learn baking from me.

Later, I had to shift to another place of BBSR. When I came here, the number of students I had then, reduced. I was discouraged, but unwilling to give up. A group of bachelors in our society asked me to supply them with meals. Gradually, even some hostels asked me to supply food. 

However, due to Fani, all the students returned back to their homes and my food supply business came to an end. Again discouraged, but again, unwilling to give up. I revived my baking business. Since I am a home baker, people preferred to buy from me, given the hygiene factor during Covid.

I have also been blessed enough to showcase my skills on television for OTV, DD National, etc. I also participated in MasterChef India 2019, but unfortunately could not make it to the end. My husband and children are my pillars. Support and motivation came abundantly.

I am a proud wife, mother and baker. Since 1997, I have been working at my own level, never stopping or stooping before any adversity." - Debajita Apta Dangua.

The Joy Of Sharing - Sinorita Dash

"Besides being a businesswoman, I am a food blogger. I started my page three years back; it was driven by my passion and love for cooking.

I stayed away from my home since a very early age for my higher studies. To avoid hostel food on some days, I started cooking and experimenting recipes with the limited ingredients available in the campus. My love for trying new food items kept growing.

When I started working, everything became monotonous. It was just work, work and work! Later, I quit my job and attending to blogging made me happy.

After witnessing the joy that food brings, I decided to take it to every person, who is in need. I have been visiting different orphanages and old age homes, where I spend time, distribute food and essentials. Their smiles are like milestones for me.

Being happy should not be our only goal, but helping others to be happy should also be on our bucket list. I may seem like a Bahu from a Hindi TV Show, but trust me, it's worth it." - Sinorita Dash