Persistence Is The Key! - Priyanka Bhattacharjee

"I have always been fascinated by the entertainment world. Since a very small age, I used to partake in dance competitions. My first performance made me feel confident and I knew there's something I really like and enjoy about it. When I grew up, the pressure of studies came. My family barred me from performing any further, but I persuaded them to let me dance. 

In 2016, I got into a modelling event. I was the first one from my family to get into a totally different world. Though my mom supported me, my Dad opposed it because he believed that only studies can help me earn. But, it didn't bog me down because I knew my dreams are worth every shot. I used to go to practice in the summer days where the rays of sun could let you down any time. I used to pedal my cycle in high heels in the hot summer to pursue my dreams.

I had my share of setbacks. Once, I had participated in a modelling competition and had dedicated my blood and sweat to win it, only to realize later that some participant had already "bought" the title. I was left without hope. I didn't want to continue modelling because of this unjust event. 

My family started mocking me, right after that. "Heels won't buy you a meal", "you will just walk by and nobody will notice you", "you can never achieve anything in this field", were some of the many insults that I endured. After my family, outsiders started bullying me about my height, weight, eyes, skin color and so on. 

I didn't pay any heed, did whatever projects came my way, persevered and landed many collabs with brands like, My Glamm. Eventually, my Dad also understood my profession and said that, "Yeh ladki ziddi hai, karke manegi!". Well, we all should be a little "ziddi" to achieve the dreams that we see for ourselves, shouldn't we?" - Priyanka Bhattacharjee. 

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Love Transcends All - Debajyoti Rath

"Always striving to be ahead of the competition, I found myself collecting accolades in education and extra curriculars. Like majority of engineering graduates, I took the route to join a multinational IT firm, only to realize the detestation. I decided to own my life and my career. Studied for GMAT and got admitted into University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to study MBA. Soon enough the pressure to land a job and recoup the loan kicked in. I did struggle, but then my mother’s words “you got this” worked magically for me. I immersed hard work and landed a job with my then dream company, Deloitte.

The most enticing part of my life is my soon to be wife, Kari Crawford. There are relationships and then there’s this relationship! Can the rhetoric of “crossing seven seas” be any truer? When I decided to come to the States from a small town in India for my masters, little did I know that I would find my better half. Likewise, Kari had no clue what storm she was going to face, coming from a small country town in Florida. But, love happens when you least expect it! A white girl making Indian food, a brown guy learning American colloquialisms makes it a match-up like no other. Our cultures are different for sure! But, right now, we are working on rising above it. 

No, we don't eat each other's native food for every meal, not every vlog we make on YouTube is a hit, our dogs aren't perfect, our traditions are opposite poles, but these imperfections keep things real between us. And as an answer to all the questions that society puts before us, I would simply like to say that, race, skin color, political affiliations, education accrued, and job titles shouldn't be counted as obstacles, where there is love. Love transcends all! - Debajyoti Rath.

Building The ESports Scenario! - Rich Rakesh

“2007 marked the beginning of my story with FIFA on console. Being the first competitive FIFA player from Odisha, I traversed on a road that was new to our community back then. Getting on the platform of ‘Indian Lan Gaming’ was in itself a massive achievement for me. DGamerz, BBSR, played a very important role in bringing the competitive scenario into the state and into my life by organizing a lot of tournaments everywhere.

Between 2017 and 2019, I had played in all major college fests and local tournaments and lost around 30 tournaments. I didn’t have a console of my own to practice on, and I kept trying and pushing myself towards a victory. 2019 proved to be a turning point for me, and I won both Cuttack and Bhubaneswar IGL Minor. I then tried for the regional rounds, and I even made it to the semi-finals in Kolkata and Mumbai. That was when I bought a PS4 of my own, and that helped me a lot to practice more and more.

Eventually, with all my hard work and consequent achievements, my reputation as a competitive player rose. I participated and won in several other tournaments, and I also started organizing tournaments for budding talents of the town. As I got in touch with a few well-known gaming brands, I got more exposure, and finally, I started the first virtual pro club of Odisha, by the name of “Utkal Putras”. I intend to put more work into it, so that we can reach greater heights.

A lot of esports club have tried to recruit me, but I deny all offers because I want to build the first pro esports club in Odisha. Odisha has amazing gamers, but they are unseen and unknown. I hope, one day, Odia gamers get the deserved recognition that we withhold from them, but freely give to gamers of other states and countries.” – Rich Rakesh.

Dance is BAE! - Anisha Sinha

"During my childhood, people used to remember me as the kid who always cried at the end of a dance event just because she wanted to take a prize back home. Sympathizing with me, they used to give me a toffee or a bouquet. You see, I have always been greedy for prizes and awards, especially for my dance.

But, the spark for dancing began to fade when I didn't receive any fruit for my rigorous efforts. I was downcast and thought of leaving Odissi. However, in that weak moment, my Guru cum aunt came through for me. She motivated me, told me to believe in the power of Almighty and keep moving forward. I can never forget those 4 a.m. practices, which came right after her inspiring words.

After two years of continuous failures, yet persistent efforts, I was declared the champion of the Governor’s Trophy. From that day, things have always looked uphill for me. That one achievement unfurled the many other rewards that life has in store for me like, Champion in the National Youth Festival, Champion in the Chief Minister’s Trophy and many more.

Situations have come where I had to choose between passion or career. But, in my mind. my dance is my career. My determination is so strong that no kidney stones, no sciatica and no other health issues can ever stop me from dancing. My Dance is my BAE!" - Anisha Sinha.

   

Miles and Smiles - Fatema Patel

"Since I was a kid, I was fascinated by Fashion Designing. I had decided to shift to Kolkata to study the same, but, ultimately, I took up English Honors because my parents didn't permit me to do so. After a year, I quit English Honors because I lost my interest and my mind was totally bent towards fashion. 

I shifted to Kolkata, did my fashion designing course, some internships and came back to Cuttack after 2 years. Once, while I was in Cuttack, I got a call from my Uncle and he offered me a job in his travel agency company, based in Dubai. I, being intrigued by the opportunity, accepted the offer and set out to explore this new spectrum of life. I did pretty well at the job. I also got the opportunity to go to Dubai for my training. In the training period, I flourished in such a manner that I was asked to train my juniors. 

Then, Covid happened. I left the company and came back to Cuttack. I decided to begin my own start-up based on travel and tourism. While everyone was busy making Dalgona Coffee, I was thinking about new ideas for my business and doing online courses to gain more knowledge. Finally, in January 2021, I opened, "Miles and Smiles", my travel agency. 

I know I have made a lot of career switches. Both my parents and I got confused and worried because of my decisions. But, through all of the twists and turns, all of the exploring of various fields, I finally found the one thing that I am willing to work hard for, that is, planning trips for others. 

Now, my business is at it's infant stage. People are gradually getting aware of it. Success seems far right now, but what I have with me right now, is inner peace and joy; peace because I am doing what I love and joy because I know I have the ability to make my business reach heights!" - Fatema Patel.

Changing Little Lives - Purabi Patra, AWTE

“I am an MBA in marketing, and I was in Delhi as an assistant professor for 8-9 years. I left my job to start something in Bhubaneswar for animals. Though I was always fond of them, but I had never thought of coming into the field to actively do something for them. But, when I saw that there was nothing in the town for distressed animals, and no one could be contacted in case of an emergency, I was moved to do something by myself.

 

Later, I went to Delhi because there are many animal welfare NGOs there and through social media, I had contacted them. Though at that time I had not left my job, I used to volunteer in those NGOs. I got some valuable experience there, and during the end of 2015, I moved back to BBSR and started my own animal welfare NGO to rescue animals.

 

Now we have around 150 animals staying with us, including a few paraplegic ones. We do rescue missions, on spot treatment on roads, awareness campaigns, feeding drives, vaccination drives, and cruelty intervention as well. We seek legal actions for these beautiful creatures. Several students come in their free time and take care of animals and we have an active team of around 20 people taking care of dogs, cats, monkeys, camels, goats and birds.

 My parents wanted me to settle down with a family and a job, and when I decided to leave my job and start the NGO, they were not very happy. Eventually, when they saw my work, they started supporting me and things started falling into place.

 

I was motivated to start this NGO when I could no longer see the cruelty towards these mute beings, and I want the people of our community to bear a similar compassion, if not more. Since these animals can’t help themselves or speak for themselves, I’d request our people to atleast contact someone who can help them, and not ignore them in their time of pain. We call ourselves the supreme creation of God, but if we cannot be empathetic towards these species, our superiority is a mere waste.” – Purabi Patra.

Painting My Life - Tulika Karmakar

"I've got the best of both worlds since my Mumma is Gujarati and my Pappa, Bengali. Their love story is pretty much like a Bollywood movie, literally! I'm a single child to my parents. As most of my cousins chose the corporate line after graduation, my parents expected the same from me. I was pretty good at academics which made them think MBA is the way to go for me. Honestly, at some point even I thought I wanted to go that way. Until, I decided to explore my artistic side. Something that made me genuinely happy. Maa says when I was a kid, I would spend hours sitting in my room drawing or coloring. Now that I'm 22, grownup, I don't think much has changed. I'm still mostly in my room drawing or painting. 

Initially, back in 2017-2018 I used to draw on Instagram stories using my fingers and I did not really think much of it but I got a really good feedback from my followers and that's how the story of "tk.sketchbook" started. I created the art account but I was reluctant to post there (because I'm a super anxious person). When the lockdown started I was at a really low point in my life. My anxiety was at peak. It was so bad that I was on antidepressants. I used to feel unwanted, out of place in the worst way. And let me tell you, nothing is worse than the feeling of questioning whether you're wanted or not. I felt myself only when I was drawing or painting. Art was the only thing that kept me going during that phase. I started giving myself bigger projects to keep myself busy from my overwhelming thoughts. I tried new things like, painting on denim jackets and also painted murals. I started posting consistently and I started getting projects from other people as well for portrait paintings and jacket painting. 

I'm super close to my Mumma. She's always been super supportive and has never doubted any of my decisions. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have any faith left in me. I don't have any siblings but my cousin has never made me feel that. She has an immense amount of confidence in me that even I don't have in myself. 

This lockdown made me understand that people come and go in life and not everybody turns out the way we expect them to be. Ups and downs are a part of life. What makes you stronger is what keeps you going. Anxiety is a part of me. Everyone has different ways of coping up with difficult situations. For me, it was through Art. I feel a sense of calmness and comfort when I hold a brush or when I'm around paints and colors and since I'm a PAINTBRUSH (the meaning of Tulika, my name), I'll continue painting lives!". - Tulika Karmakar.

Mr. Odisha, 2019! - Abinash Parida

"Being a part of a middle class family, consisting of 17 people and just one earning member and aiming for modelling(which is quite expensive), is something that can be considered foolish. Yes, Government jobs are good, but when you have to divide that salary between SEVENTEEN members, believe me, it isn't enough! Also, I was prone to diseases in my childhood and as a result, a major part of our family income was exhausted behind me. But, amidst all these obstacles, modelling was on my mind and in my heart. 

When I ultimately decided upon becoming a model, I had to take the permission of 16 people. By God's grace, I got 16 yes' and with my family's blessings, I started prepping.

The toughest job for me on my way of becoming a model was to gain enough confidence to walk and speak in front of an audience. Once, in school, I had to recite the pledge in front of 600 students and just after the first few words, I started stammering. My hands were shaking and my legs froze. To cope up with this, I joined oratory clubs and worked on my conversation skills. This process helped to speak confidently not just before any random person, but before my idol, Rohit Khandelwal. 

A major part of my life has been spent in following conventions, but today, I aspire to keep rising above it and even, celebrate my failures. I know I have a long way to go and a lot of sacrifices to make, especially in terms of food, in order to maintain a certain physique. Sometimes, I crave Pani Puri immensely. But, when I see the fruits of my oratory lessons, gymming and diet, I cannot thank myself enough for the bliss I feel. 

If your hard work helps you to pursue your dream profession, meet your idol, win Mr. Odisha title or any other title that you had only seen others take home, then, my dear, you are on the very track meant for you! It might be less travelled by, but, it's yours to walk on. - Abinash Parida.

Mapping Your Own Path - Praveen Mantry

“Coming from a Marwadi family, I thought of doing something different rather than doing BBA or BCom, so after 10th I went to Christ College for my 11th and 12th in Science, and then to Centurion University for my B.Tech in Civil Engineering. I got a job in Bangalore under a contractor, and I did some field work there for 5-6 months. But I left my job because I had heard about post-graduation in Construction Management, which was a new course being taught in NICMAR College, Pune. I started preparing for the entrance and I got into the college as well.

I graduated from there in 2019. However, during the placement process there, I opted out of the placements and I decided to join the family business. I returned back to Cuttack and carried on with the business for a year and half.

My sister Sushma Mantry, who is a home-baker, inspired me to start something of my own. So, I started my own business of bakery raw materials and packaging. I started in September just after the lockdown got lenient, and I recently opened my new outlet just beneath our house, and made my office and shop there.

Even though we have a well-established family business, I always had this dream of doing something on my own. Through my business I learnt that even if some things seem to be going against you, you can always break past the hurdle if you work hard enough for it. My work also made me learn many things about interaction with people and maintaining good and healthy relationships with everyone. I’m really happy now that I could become an entrepreneur by myself, and slowly we are targeting to improve our business. We’re starting to deal with some good brands as well, and we hope to start their distributorship in Cuttack.

I always aim to believe that no matter what you have come across in life, every situation teaches you a new lesson and every lesson gives you a new learning to look forward and achieve something big. Dreamers dream and achiever’s make their dreams come true!” – Praveen Mantry

Super Mom! - Zeeshan Salat

“When I was 16 years old, My father passed away in a tragic accident. It was a sorrowful time for all of us. In those trying times, I completed my 10th class exams and managed to score 42.5 % . In 12th, I cleared my exams with  47.5%  and went on to study in Amity. While being there, I discussed with my Mom about starting a business around Biryani. My Mom, hands down, is the best cook I know. Bringing her delicious recipes to the public, had always been my priority. Thus, three years ago, we started Salat’s biryani house. 

Traveling from Cuttack to BBSR daily and doing classes was hectic and I had to miss my classes. Due to lack of attendance, I was debarred in 17 subjects. I left Amity and came back home. However, after a while, Salat’s came to a stop because of Mom’s ill health and lack of manpower. 

My mother was an Economics teacher. She had  to leave her job in order to carry out the responsibilities that came along with marriage and children. She put 22 years of her life into taking care of the household. Now that her children are well off and independent, she had a lot of time to herself and she desired to do something. We converted our garage into a cloud kitchen and after three years, Salat’s reopened. With my Mom’s perseverance and my brothers' and friends' efforts, Salat's biryani house boosted up in Cuttack.

My Mom is the centre of the Salat’s universe and our family. Most of our recipes are invented by the very hands of my mother. Seeing a woman who has sacrificed a major part of her life behind her husband and kids do business, so efficiently and diligently, makes me happy from within. Only if you could see the journey of my mother through my very eyes, would you be able to know how far she has come. From managing a house to managing a full-fledged business, my Mom can do it all.” – Zeeshan Salat.