INDIA’S FIRST INTERVIEW BASED MAGAZINE `30 RNI No. ODIBIL/2012/50568 RNI No.

INSIDE

EXCLUSIVE A PROMINENT JOURNALIST WHO QUITS HER INTERVIEW 1 JOB TO COMMUNE AMONG ADIVASIS 2 WE HAVE MOVED ON, SHOW MUST GO ON….

he Coronavirus pandemic has reset been exemplary and inspiring, as always. We our lives. And, our lifestyles too. have spared no eff ort to connect better with our Th ere are guesstimates as to when this readers even during this unforeseen crisis. Our virus will lose strength. As of now, forte has been positive journalism. To showcase T there are no defi nitive answers. But the strengths of our state machinery and fl ag one thing has emerged strikingly over the past the achievements of unsung heroes across all few months. Covid will not melt away anytime walks of life. We have resisted every temptation soon. We are talking about a vaccine. But we are to partake in the TRP game. Our ethics has unsure when the vaccine will be available for stoutly countered this “Me Too’’ syndrome mass application. It’s a mystery to be unravelled. in the media. As you can recall, every year on October 2, coinciding with the birth anniversary Normally, any vaccine to tame a deadly contagion of the revered ‘Mahatma’, we felicitate the takes two to three years aft er grueling research iconic personalities. Carrying on this endeavor, goes into its development. As human species, we present to you the same “Top 20 Most we are trying against all odds to vanquish this Inspirational Personalities of Odisha 2020”. obdurate virus. Yet, the contagion has shown Th is event has gone beyond felicitation, it has no visible signs of abating. Today, India has kindled and aroused young minds to the nation nearly six million Covid positive cases. True, our they visualize for the future. Th e feted personas recovery graph is on the upper curve. But at the continue to inspire with their stunning tales of same time, the spike in fresh cases is a worrisome success. Hats off to these phenomenal achievers! trend. Imagine the sorrow of people losing their loved ones to this virus. We could have prepared Amid this Corona fear swirling us, we have better to face it. feared losing the loyal readership and patronage of our readers. But our consistent journey on Despite the aura of gloom, we haven’t lost our the trajectory of positive journalism has kept feisty spirit. Nor are we short on confi dence. us alive and kicking. And, clicking with our We have learnt to pace ahead. And, that is how beloved readers. Hope still fl oats over the lake we ought to fashion our future. Today, as Th e of despair. Th is hope springs from within us, Interview Times observes its ninth anniversary, reminding us to move on. And, keep saying to it’s a muted celebration. However, we continue all in the ecosystem- Th e show must go on! to delight our readers by curating content that stands out from competition. Our reportage has

Dibyajit Sahu Group Editor, Interview Times Publications EDITORIAL

3 4 CONTENTS INDIA’S FIRST INTERVIEW BASED MAGAZINE IT - LEADERSHIP CHIEF MENTOR : Dr. SUJEET KUMAR MP Rajya Sabha COVID MAY MENTOR : BRAD MISHRA Patron : PARTHAJEET PATNAIK NEVER Group Editor : DIBYAJIT SAHU GO AWAY Resident Editor : SAYAK KARAMKAR EVEN WITH IT - TEAM SUBHOJIT PANDA : (SUB-EDITOR) A VACCINE ARUN KUMAR MAHANA (BUREAU HEAD) PRAMOD KU LENKA (BUSINESS IN-CHARGE) RAJIV NAYAN RATHA (PRO) Page 10 IT - AUTHORS ANMOL SAHOO WHAT IS AISHWARYA SAMANTHA CHANDERVEER SINGH PRIME TIME? DIKHYAA MOHANTY MOUSAMI JENA A DEBATE OR OMPRIYA SAHOO SOMNATH SAHU HOUSE OF SHILPA DEY SUBHRA PRIYADARSHANI KAR SICKNESS TUSHANT BARANWAL YOGITA MOLHOTRA Page 52 ADVISORS DR. ACHYUTA SAMANTA TARA RANJAN PATNAIK PRIYADARSHI MISHRA MAHENDRA KUMAR GUPTA PANKAJ MOHANTY DR. SABAT KUMAR DHAL ON THE RUDRA NAYARAYAN SAMANTRAY PRADIPTA MOHANTY TANMAY SWAIN Legal Advisor : PRABIR SAHOO RISE For Sales and Advtg. Inquiry Mob.:7978163782, 7735882900, 7008439280 E-mail : [email protected] Page 48 www.interviewtimes.net

5 EDUCATION TIMES

DIKHYA MOHANTY

Under NEP Mother Tongue Not Mandatory: India Is Still Obsessed With English Medium Education !

his year the National Educational Policy 2020 was T announced, which triggered many debates on several topics where some people are favourable to the decision, but some are not. Th e policy recommends that teaching in mother tongue is not necessary, which has made a debatable conversation, whether it is wise to make such a decision. Many educationalists say that students learn better in their mother tongue as they speak and understand it well. Th ere are so many advantages of learning in in India. Th e NEP’s recommended backward country. Teaching in the mother tongue for the students that whenever possible, the their mother tongue will demolish at an early age. But India is still medium of instruction until at India’s economic prospects and obsessed with the concept of least 5th Grade but preferably till lead to a more reactionary position preferring English medium for 8th Grade and beyond will be the in the education system. mother-tongue or Local/Regional their children. Language is core In the Indian Education system, Language has been furiously to human identity, but in this promoting the English language debated in the English language modern world, the identity dispute more than the regional language media. Th ere is some section of the is getting lost as teaching a child has been seen from the decade. society which thinks that favoring in their own language has become More importance has been education in Indian regional questionable. From the colonial given on imparting education languages is the sole responsibility era, only the extension of English to school children in mother for keeping India a poor and education has to be comprehensive tongue or regional language.

6 EDUCATION TIMES

Th roughout years we have seen will help in better possession on examinations, makes them less in Odisha, students from Odia of a second language. Children likely to fail a class, is more likely medium schools have performed procuring a second language later to be recognized as good students, exceptionally good in their grades. in life can use the skills they learn and enhances enrolment rates. Even from Odia medium school, while being taught in their mother But despite knowing the diff erences students also do well in English tongue as younger times. and the importance of preferring subjects. But the mind has been According to research, if the mother tongue why India is still set before our children will learn fi rst language is your regional obsessed with English medium. better in an English medium language or mother tongue and Some claim that there is a social school than in an Odia medium if more importance is given to it, perception that English is what school. In English medium schools, the better it will be in the second makes a diff erence in learning, and the regional language is given less language. Starting with the these perceptions drive people in importance, and before students mother tongue as the primary India. To which now the regional was taught the regional or local medium and introducing English languages have taken a back language till 6th or 8th Grade. later results learning process as seat and now today’s generation Aft er that, the whole subject was more convenient and a better has the least knowledge about removed wholly. Many are now result in all the languages. Students the importance of their mother concerned that the impact of preferring their mother tongue as tongue. Th e society gives more the policy recommendation on the fi rst language give themselves privilege to the English medium students can create ambiguity a yielding pathway and helps school students and terms them concerning its implementation. to allow their personality more as the future of the nation. Even Some feel that it will make it more developed. Th e ease with which the parents are ready to put up with arduous for the students to learn mother tongue permits a child’s poor learning outcomes – as long and obtain English skills and to natural capacity to push through as those outcomes are in English challenge to compete with their means it can also help students as according to the English is companions in higher education if from disadvantaged classes. But aspirational, and their children schools are prepared to teach only some researchers say that giving can be more smart and educated in their mother tongue. As the preference to the fi rst language or if they are studied in an English NEP has not made mandatory for the mother tongue can give more medium school. But the question schools to teach in their respective fear in the English language among still lies it worth enough to give less mother tongue and termed as the students. Mother tongue importance to your mother tongue “Possibly preferable.” Th e authority education helps students do better or your regional language! depicts that they have taken the decision, keeping in mind what is suitable for our country and children. But keeping away the importance of their own learning of regional language is acceptable! It is not that diffi cult to see why students taught in their mother language would defeat students taught in a second language. Starting a child’s education in their mother tongue allows teachers and students to communicate naturally and helps to create a better environment, which will lead to making a semantic development. Using the mother tongue at the primary period of education

7 DEBATE TIMES

AISHWARYA SAMANTA CONSPIRED THEORY OR NAKED TRUTH?

hile a section of the nation ASEEM (Aatmanirbhar Skilled Employee Employer joyously woke up to celebrate Mapping) portal’s data, a total of 69 lakh migratory Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s workers registered themselves for jobs. Out of which, 70th birthday today, others were 1.49 lakh were off ered jobs, but only 7,700 joined work. busy marking a twitter trend. Th e Th e statistics here show that only 2% of the 3.7 lakh W former chose the microblogging candidates are employed now. site to praise the PM for his visionary initiatives for Th e report stated that it was not just the migrants who the nation, the latter chose to shower their frustrations applied for jobs. Self-employed tailors, electricians, by marking September 17 as ‘Rashtriya Berojgar fi eld-technicians, sewing machine operators and Divas’ or the National Unemployment Day. fi tters had also registered themselves. Th e states like Th e trend that went viral within moments of its Karnataka, Delhi, Haryana, Telangana and Tamil origin is deciphered to be a mark of protest against Nadu are on the verge of facing discriminating the high unemployment rates in the country. shortage of workers. Th e number of registered people Apparently, the trend, on a larger picture highlight’s the Modi Government’s ineffi ciency in generating jobs and providing employment facilities to the wider unemployed masses. Unemployment: A mirror of the faulty management Unemployment will be one of the biggest political economy challenges in the forthcoming days in India. With the outburst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government put a strict restriction on various kinds of economic activities while trying to hold the spread of the coronavirus. As a result, in just 40 days, over 69 lakh individuals registered themselves on the government jobs portal launched by the Prime Minister on July 11. Taking the way forward, between August 14 and August 21, more than 7 lakh people got themselves registered for jobs. However, the reality is saddening. Only a meagre percentage of the registered candidates were off ered jobs, rest had to return with the tag of ‘unemployed’. According to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship on its

8 DEBATE TIMES on the portal saw an increase of 11.98% – 61.67 to 69 lakhs in the week ending August 21. As many as 514 companies registered on the portal. Of these 443 have posted 2.92 lakh jobs, and out of this, 1.49 lakh have been off ered. Th e number of active companies on the job portal has marginally gone up to 443 from 419. Th e report also stated that under the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan, launched in 116 districts by the Prime Minister in June, only 5.4 per cent of women are looking for jobs. Th e logistics, healthcare, banking, fi nancial services and insurance (BFSI), retail and construction are the top sectors which off ered about 73.4% of jobs on the portal site. As far as the supply side of trained/ skilled workers is concerned, 42.3 per cent of people registered seeking jobs are from top states—Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Delhi. COVID-19: Providing aid to unemployment Th e Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) has announced that 18.9 million salaried jobs were lost during the period of April-July. Salaried jobs have been the biggest casualty of the lockdown with a loss of 17.7 million jobs in April, followed by a gain of 3.9 million jobs in June, and then a loss of fi ve million jobs in July. However, the same period has also proven to be a time of boom for informal and non-salaried million in July from 317.6 million last year, marking jobs. Th e number of these jobs increased to 325.6 a drastic increase of 2.5%. “While salaried jobs are not lost easily, once lost they are lost, it becomes far more diffi cult to retrieve them. Th erefore, it becomes a matter of great concern. Salaried jobs were nearly 19 million short of their average in the fi scal year 2019- 20. Th ey were 22% lower than their level in the last fi scal year,” stated the CMIE. Daily wage workers and small traders have been greatly aff ected by the lockdown since its announcement in March. “Of the 121.5 million jobs lost in the month of April, 91.2 million were informal jobs. Th is category of employment accounts for about 32% of the total employment, but it suff ered 75% of the hit in April,” says the CMIE. However, unlike salaried jobs that are challenging to recoup once lost, some informal jobs have been quick to return. Of the 91.2 million informal jobs lost in April 2020, 14.4 million came back in May, 44.5 million in June and 22.5 million in July. Only 6.8 million remain to return, the CMIE added.

9 HEALTH TIMES

SUBHRA KAR Covid may never go away even with a vaccine

he fi rst dying. What is your take? death due to It is true that the elderly have many COVID-19 diseases, for which they are not was reported able to combat the virus. But if in Odisha someone is young in age, but a co- T occurred in morbid, there is every possibility Bhubaneswar on 6 April 2020. that he/she will be badly aff ected Th ereaft er, the number of deaths by the disease. Moreover, some due to Covid-19 is increasing with youths are not taking this disease each passing day in the state. So seriously. far, the state has reported 548 deaths due to the invisible virus, What kind of diseases are the main which includes 200 death reports causes of Covid death? from the district of Ganjam only. Old-age people who have At least six doctors in the state have B Geetanjali respiratory and lung disease also succumbed to the disease in Director, AIIMS Bhubaneswar besides disease like diabetes, this period. With alarming rise in hypertension, abnormal blood the disease at bay, and as a result, the number Covid-19 cases, the clotting, and coronary heart they are coming in direct contact situation is gradually worsening in diseases are very vulnerable. the state capital; Bhubaneswar. with other patients. But it is a highly contagious disease. Tell us something about patients We speak to B Geetanjali, Director who are asymptomatic and are Reports of deaths due to Covid-19 of AIIMS Bhubaneswar about this recovering without any medication. pandemic situation of Covid-19. patients are coming from everywhere. What are the reasons We are yet to know what the whole What are the reasons behind behind the deaths? process is. It is too early to say how the increasing number of Covid they are recovering. But I think Th ere could be many reasons infection? some people may have strong behind a death. When a person immunity and hence, they are Th e main reason behind the gets infected, it aff ects the lungs convalescing without medication. remarkable increase in the number of the person. If proper treatment of Covid-19 cases is the perception is not given to a patient, then his/ How can a normal person boost of people regarding the pandemic. her respiratory system gets aff ected his/her immunity? Many people are thinking that and it may lead to the death. everything is fi ne and the pandemic Since we have nothing in our period is over. People are moving Earlier, it was said that the elderly hands, people can take Vitamin-C everywhere and are not taking the people are most vulnerable. But it tablets, honey, ginger and turmeric necessary precautions, which keeps is being seen that the youth are also to increase their immunity.

10 11 POLICING TIMES

uniform looks more beautiful. Th e profession also demands you to be fi t. It showed me fi tness and as a woman, I can say it makes us more powerful,” she reminisces. Aft er completing her IPS training, SARAH SHARMA she was posted at Bolangir IPS but it was during her stint as Superintendent of Police, Gajapati district that her eff orts got noticed. PS Sarah National Law University in Raipur Her deft handling of criminal Sharma, the as an Assistant Professor. Post cases and ability to maintain 2010 batch that, she worked as an assistant public peace and order was praised IPS offi cer professor at KIIT Law School as from all quarters. Sharma is also is widely well. At the same time, she was also credited for starting the ‘she team’ I known as preparing for civil services. project. a young and versatile cop. She “I did not succeed in the UPSC Started at Parlakhemundi police grabbed headlines last year when exams in my fi rst attempt. But I station (Gajapati district), ‘she she formed a special team of cops cracked it in the second attempt. team’ is a dedicated team to to deal with the rising nuisance I joined as an IPS offi cer in 2010,” deal with the rising nuisance of eve-teasing, but also recorded she said adding that years of hard of eve-teasing against women a full-fl edged song in her voice on work, perseverance and focus was and girls. Notably, her eff orts women safety. Currently serving the key to her success. were appreciated by honourable as the Superintendent of Police of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Sharma idolizes her mother who Vigilance Organisation, Odisha, IPS Association and National inspired her to become an IPS she is committed to make public Commission for Women. Offi cer. “My mother gave me a service free from corruption. Earlier this year, during her civil service book when I was in Born in Brahmapur and raised stint as Gajapati SP, Sharma standard eight. Th at time, I had in Sambalpur, Sarah’s parents also adopted a tribal village, no idea what civil services meant. were both wage-earners. She was Sindipur under Gumma block in My parents, especially my mother, focused and dedicated towards Gajapati district. Currently she wanted to see me as an IPS offi cer. studies from the very beginning. is serving in the capacity of SP, Besides, since childhood I always Th e support of her parents was Vigilance Organisation, Odisha. wanted to work for society. So, tremendous. “In order to fulfi l Interestingly, Sharma is a trained from school days, I was pretty clear the dream of my parents, I used classical singer and considers music that I had to go ahead and become to study dedicatedly. Th e amount as her biggest passion. She has even an IPS offi cer in the future. of time I spent studying was done penned and sung a few songs based honestly. I used to spend most of My fi rm determination and focus on social issues. Th at apart, she my time with books,” she recalled. helped me in fulfi lling my purpose. is also passionate about exercise, Aft er completing MPhil at JNU, I also have a weakness for the dance and reading philosophical Delhi, she joined Hidayatullah uniform. I think a woman in civil books.

12 ADMINISTRATION TIMES

denizens, Chayani recently gave the go-ahead for community Durga pujas without any congregation in pandals and in strict adherence to social distancing norms, an offi cial said. Th e puja committees can celebrate the festival in the silver Bhabani Shankar Chayani city of Odisha without violating Collector, Cuttack the COVID-19 guidelines, Cuttack Collector Bhabani Shankar Chayani said. e has set a testing. precedent by “Maintaining social distancing “At Cuttack we have done a great not taking norms, avoiding mass gatherings transformative work by making a leave aft er and wearing masks, the organizers two wide roads on both the sides of his father’s can hold Durga puja at their Taladanda Canal near Jobra which H demise respective pandals,” Chayani said. will provide main access to the during peak Covid period. Bhabani Puja organisers can perform the site of SCB Medical College which Shankar Chayani, the incumbent rituals but no congregation will be is being redeveloped as a world collector of Cuttack is an allowed in the pandals, he said. Th e class Medical institution by the . administrator par excellence and is Durga puja committees welcomed We did it in a record time despite metaphor for altruistic service. the district administration’s COVID demolishing more than decision and said they will follow Both responsive and sensitive to 600 unauthorized encroachments the health safety guidelines in the the concerns of the man on the many of which were more than pandals and also during immersion street during his health crisis, 50 year old. Hon’ble CM is going of the idols”, he added. Chayani said he would launch to inaugurate that on 26th of this immediate action upon receiving month. I have posted pictures of A tough administrator with a a written complaint against a these roads with messages of their humane face, Chayani is the private lab in Cuttack allegedly completion on Twitter”, he said. exemplar for ‘people friendly’ overcharging patients for Covid-19 governance. May his tribe grow Mindful of the spirit of Cuttack’s and serve the people incessantly.

EN-ROUTE TO PROGRESS

13 POLICY TIMES

is a one stop investor facilitation portal for ease of doing business in Odisha. It automates major clearances, permits and approvals required for establishment & expansion of industries in Manoj Mishra Odisha. Our Student Academic Management System is also a Secretary, Electronics unifi ed, common platform for & IT, Odisha government admissions and student lifecycle management for higher education n a crisis, we service delivery framework both (intermediate and degree colleges) have seen through self and common service across multiple streams and renewed centre (CSC) mode. It has been colleges in Odisha”, he expounds. respect for designed in such a way that various governance. departmental applications can An IRTS offi cer, Mishra joined I We have utilize the framework irrespective the Odisha government as onboarded Smart Analytics and of their level of automation. special secretary (commerce & utilized the large pool of data. Citizens would access online transport) and commissioner (rail Also, we have tied up with industry services of various departments coordination), a post which he still stakeholders to fi nd out the right through this portal”, he said. holds to this date. But the state solutions”, Manoj Mishra Secretary Mishra, one of the most bankable government has profi ted majorly (Electronics & IT), Odisha and infl uence wielding offi cers from his vision in innovation. government said at the recent in Odisha’s corridors of power As an offi cer helming the IT ‘Digital Technology Sabha’ hosted is also a digital evangelist for department, he is leading the by Express Computer. Mishra the government sector. He has next wave of growth for the IT was summing up the disruptive been making consistent eff orts ecosystem, bringing in a swarm changes wrought by technology to bridge the digital divide with of investments and jobs. He and how it has changed the technology enablement. “Odisha was instrumental in Capgemini government-citizen interface. stands out as a state that imbibes moving to its all new, swanky technology as a way of life in campus in Bhubaneswar. Also, He feels that every crisis cannot modern day governance. As per Mishra played a stellar role in be converted into an opportunity the 5T charter of good governance setting up Odisha’s fi rst and the but a good leadership can bring laid out by Hon’ble Chief country’s second Electropreneur the best out of all solutions and Minister, Shri Naveen Patnaik, Park through collaboration with IT solutions must be aligned with the State is pioneering the use of the Soft ware Technology Parks leadership objectives. tech for digitally transforming of India (STPI). He has set an Mishra is committed to putting business processes and improving ambitious target of churning out in place a unifi ed portal- www. effi ciency in public service over 50 electropreneurs from this odishaone.gov.in loaded with delivery to citizens. One of the centre. “Odisha is on the cusp of features like online appeal and major successful initiatives by the an information & communication online revision. “It’s an integrated government is Go Swift , which technology revolution.

14 NRO TIMES

its wings across the world with the concept of operating one- teacher schools (Ekal Vidyalayas) in the remotest rural & tribal villages to ensure education for every child. He is a Patron of ‘Azaad’ – A Ray of Hope, an organisation of patriotic Indian Dr. Arun Kumar Praharaj youth & veterans committed CEO & Director, to upholding social development Dadabhai Group of Companies and boosting the potential of the youth, especially women and r. Arun associations and initiatives enable those who are socially deprived Kumar him to contribute to multiple by providing access to upskilling Praharaj social causes like Distress Relief, workshops, self-defense training is a gold Education for All; the Promotion of and immediate relief from disasters medalist in Arts and Culture etc. Dr. Praharaj or distress as and when required. D M.Com from is associated with notable bodies MGKVP, Varanasi and a that believe in making a diff erence. Dr. Praharaj is also the meritorious alumnus of the Indian He is the Chairman of the India International Convenor of the Institute of Finance, New Delhi. A Development Foundation Trust Vishva Odisha Forum under the chartered accountant by profession which aims to spread, promote leadership of the Honourable and Fellow Member of the Institute and provide education for all and Speaker of Odisha Assembly, Dr. of Chartered Accountants of India, contribute towards the socio- Surya Narayan Patra. Th e forum Dr. Praharaj currently serves as economic development of India binds Odias around the world and the CEO of Dadabhai Group, a with a special focus on the state of helps promote their rich culture on multibillion-dollar conglomerate Odisha. Dr. Praharaj is a member a global scale. He is a Co-Founder headquartered in the Kingdom of the Bahrain India Society, an of the Shri Jagannatha Global of Bahrain. Having previously organization that actively promotes Fraternity (SJGF), under the aegis spearheaded giants such as the socio-economic and cultural ties of Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha hospitality division of Mahindra between the two nations – India Deb of Puri. Besides, he is the & Mahindra and Sterling Group, and Bahrain and a Founding Coordinating Director of Shri Dr Praharaj holds over 30 years of Member of the prestigious Capital Jagannath Chetna International solid industry experience. Inspired Club, Bahrain which is the Society of Ireland, a culturally- by the munifi cent soul of his late epicenter of all major economic vibrant organisation established father, Dr. Trailokya Nath Praharaj forums. He is a proud and active with the intention of setting up – an educationist, social worker member of the Ekal Abhiyan & a Lord Jagannatha Temple in and a well-known Homoeopath, Ekal Vidyalaya Sansthan, a non- Ireland. He is the Chief Patron of Dr. Praharaj combined his profi t organization on a mission Sanskriti, Bahrain – the largest aptitude for management with to bring basic education to every Indian diasporic organisation in the his deep values of human respect child across rural India. It is the Kingdom and Samast Parivar Milan and integrity to evolve as a true largest grassroots, non-government (SPM), both of which intend to philanthropist. His myriad social initiative in India now spreading unite and bind all Indians socially.

15 JEWELLERY TIMES

the state a new place to explore the world of two-wheelers. Th e overwhelming response received only fueled the Group’s dream to do something more and to traverse newer possibilities. Khimji has also diversifi ed into the lifestyle sector by tying up with Wills Mitesh Khimji Lifestyle. With a rich array of MD, Khimji Jewellery garments and accessories, this new tie-up was yet another attempt on the part of Khimji to enrich ince 1936, for every occasion. From women’s customer experience. Th e company Khimji necklaces, bracelets, pendants, that has always remained loyal Jewellers has rings, earrings, and chains, to to its customers got yet another swiped into men’s accessories and watches, way to make them happy. But the hearts of perfumes you will explore the simply enhancing their looks S the people of wide range of collections. With wasn’t enough; the Khimji Group Odisha with its unrivaled product unmatched jewelry designs, Khimji had bigger plans. It dreamt of off erings, unwavering focus on Jewellers continues to remain decorating lives, and hence entered quality and brilliant quality of the most favorite jewelry shop of the real estate world as Ambika workmanship. Khimji began as Odisha since 1936. Builders, gift ing people that perfect a fl edgling brand in 1936 by Late “I am glad that overall our unique house they had always wanted. Khimji Dayabhai at Baripada. features such as fresh design, Khimji is changing the landscape And today, it enjoys an exalted customer satisfaction, variety of Odisha with a steady hand. status among the leading gold and many more, our quality and And, this is just the beginning of a outlets across eastern India. It has a purity of metal and stone-topped greater promise. network of retail showrooms across and we have been recognized as a Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Khimji Group is also building most trusted brand which means and Rourkela. a school at Baripada that will a lot. Not only this recognition focus on providing the best It was the fi rst Jewellery chain but also for all the reputation we education facilities to even the of Odisha to bring 100 percent have earned in the hearts and poorest child. Previously they also Hallmark Jewellery to the market. minds of our customers, these handed over Rs 21 lakhs to Chief It should be noted that Khimji are all because of the hard work Minister Naveen Patnaik towards Jewelers has been the only and sincerity of the entire Khimji Cyclone Fani relief. If that was Jewellery chain in the state to Group”, said Mitesh Khimji, not enough, Khimji Foundation, restore all the ornaments of Lord Director, Khimji Jewellers. Aft er the philanthropic wing of Khimji Jagannath at Puri, made Crown for decades of gift ing Odisha some Group, undertook several path- Lord Lingaraj at Bhubaneswar and of the fi nest pieces of jewelry one breaking initiatives during the various other auspicious temples can desire, Khimji has ventured COVID-19 lockdown period by across the state. It has a complete out to conquer newer skies. One extending help and support to the collection of gold, silver, diamond, of its latest endeavors has been the poor and homeless. platinum jewelry perfectly suitable Khimji-Honda alliance, giving

16 IT TIMES

Mr Dhirendra Khandelwal was born and raised in Balasore, Odisha. He did his schooling from St. Vincent’s Convent School” and then pursued MCA- Master in Computer Application from NIT Rourkela. During his educational Mr Dhirendra Khandelwal, days, he hated to be a mediocre MD, ESQUARE student. Right from Standard 1, till his NIT days, he always ranked among top 3 students. echnology Process Industries. will rule the Mr Khandelwal also pursued an Aft er receiving a positive response future. From executive management program from the market, Mr Khandelwal managing in XIMB for a year but later with full spirit expanded currencies to dropped out to venture in the fi eld ESQUARE to Bhubaneswar, where T implementing of technology as an entrepreneur. he successfully provided digital intricate work, technology will Customer engagement, satisfaction services, thereby setting new have the most crucial role to play & innovation is the motto of standards and excelling in their with. However, while the world ESQUARE. ESQUARE enterprises arena of the digital sphere. In the strives on technology, there are to empower people”. For more than space of ten more years, ESQUARE only a few pioneers to carry its 20 years, ESQUARE has consulted has executed projects across legacy forward, one of them being Government Departments, PSUs, India successfully. Currently, Mr Dhirendra Khandelwal, MD of and SMBs to solve business in 2020, ESQUARE has set up a ESQUARE Private Limited. challenges through agile and rapid centre of excellence on emerging implementation of technology. Th e Mr Khandelwal, an NIT, Rourkela technologies and focusing on the company has collaborated with alumni, thought of instituting a overseas technology market. leading technology partners to business that would transform the Under the dynamic & visionary adopt the latest technology. “Our digital experience of a professional leadership of Mr Khandelwal, a success lies in providing the most organization giving it the touch of team of highly skilled professionals groundbreaking, cost-eff ective, modern digital evolution. In the believes in “doing things better and optimized solutions to clients. year 2000, Dhirendra successfully today than yesterday”.Currently, We continuously innovate to go started up his very own System the company is focusing on to the next level of business,” says Integration & IT Solution Digital Transformation and Dhirendra. ESQUARE has received Company naming ESQUARE System Integration. ESQUARE is recognition in many celebrated System & Technologies Pvt. Ltd. investing profoundly in technology forums. Recently, ESQUARE from Balasore. Initially, the fi rm innovation and implementing has been conferred with Times focused on System Integration, new technologies like AI, ML, big Business Awards 2020 as the best giving various technology solutions data, cloud, and cybersecurity to Cloud & Digital Transformation to a business with a signifi cant maximize the digital effi ciency and Solution Company of Eastern focus on Government, Defense, security of its clients. India. Healthcare, Utilities, Education &

17 HEALTH TIMES

in the state, Svasthya owns a chain of diagnostic centres and off ers a comprehensive range of clinical laboratory tests and profi les which are used for prediction, early detection, diagnostic screening, confi rmation and/or monitoring Dr. Prasmita of the disease. It also provides Tejaswini comprehensive training for laboratory and measurement management systems. ver the years, Th e initial period for Svasthya Svasthya wasn’t that smooth. Th ere were “Th ough Odisha has emerged as Clinics challenges galore. “Funds had the new medical hub in the eastern Private to be mitigated by banks by part of India, we still lag behind Limited has some amount and mostly by our when it comes to technology. Th ese O carved a niche personal savings and earnings to days, technology plays a key role for itself in the fi eld of healthcare. support the system so as to sustain in boosting healthcare services. Th e brand enjoys a loyal customer in the market. Skilled manpower Th erefore, infusion of technology base, refl ecting its strength as a was another issue. Th ere is a sorry in the medical sector will not brand off ering superior diagnostic state in this market to get effi cient only simplify the services but also tests and other services. Svasthya manpower so we had to really work help in catering a broad variety of has always been at the forefront on that aspect. Besides, there is other services for which patients in bringing new tests and acceptance of brands established still rely on other metropolitan technologies to the people. It has outside our state than the local cities,” said she. While the invested in a variety of specialized brands. Th erefore we had to start COVID-19 pandemic brought tests and also adopted several from the scratch,” she recollects. the whole world to a standstill, advanced tests and technologies the healthcare sector was also Speaking about the response so introduced in the market. badly aff ected. Despite all odds far, she said, “Well now, with our and diffi culties, Svasthya Clinics Under the stewardship of Dr. continuous dedication, we are Pvt. Ltd continued to deliver its Prasmita Tejaswini, Svasthya able to motivate people a bit. I services to the best of its abilities. has played a pivotal role to raise am sure it will take time but we “Th e coronavirus-induced the bar of diagnostic accuracy, are committed to our services lockdown was not easy for us. We technological equipment, customer and hopefully tables will soon had our share of struggles and experience and research-driven turn in our favour.” Svasthya is a problems. Despite that, we were empathetic service in the state. professionally managed consultancy open every single day providing Th e plethora of services off ered organization specializing in our services, obeying all statutory by Svasthya include pathological hospital and healthcare activities norms of the govt. and taking all testing laboratory, clinics, hospital from conceptualization, execution, possible precautionary measures management consultancy and operational management to turn for our staff , so that services are laboratory management among key project management. With its not hampered,” she said. others. widespread operational network

18 ENTERTAINMENT TIMES

through his trust, Smile Please, which was formed to provide a platform to diff erently-abled youths for a career in acting. Sabyasachi continues to win hearts as ‘COVID-19 saviour’ as he promised to off er all kinds of assistance to Sabyasachi Mishra needy people in the future as well. Ollywood Actor Notably, Sabyasachi, an engineering graduate, started his arlier in that image into reality. Initially, I career by starring in over 200 March this was a bit skeptical since I wasn’t Odia music albums. He then had year, when the sure if I could be of any help to a dream debut in Ollywood. His entire nation them. But with God’s grace and debut fi lm ‘Pagala Premi’ (2017) was locked blessings of my well-wishers, I was a run-away hit that earned E up inside decided to step in and tried my him Best Actor award at Odisha the home due to COVID-19 best to solve as many problems as I State Film Awards. Th ereaft er, he pandemic, an Odia cine star was could,” he fi rmly said. Few months never looked back. Th e turnaround helping the migrant workers ago, he arranged a nearly-packed came in the year 2013 when he won return home safely. Sabyasachi chartered fl ight from the United the Filmfare Awards East ‘Best Mishra, the Ollywood heartthrob Arab Emirates (UAE) carrying actor’ award for his movie ‘Mu Eka not only off ered assistance to several Odia people stranded in Tumara’ post which he became an migrant workers but also arranged that country owing to COVID-19. overnight sensation in the state. If transport, hospitalization, ration But the actor’s assistance to people that was not enough, Sabyasachi and fi nance for them during the wasn’t only limited to transport. has also tried playback singing. He testing times. In the last four He also off ered monetary has sung the title songs of “Pilata months, the actor has arranged assistance to migrants and others Bigidigala” and “Hela Mate Prema the arrival of hundreds of Odias who were stuck in various parts Jara”. His song ‘Maya Re Baya’ went in around 35 buses, and many of the country in the early phases viral on social media, as well. more by special trains, from states of the lockdown. He set up a ‘mini Apart from Ollywood, the fi lm like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, control room’ at home to help star has gained massive popularity Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat the stranded Odia people. Aft er in the South fi lm industry as well. and Kerala. It all started when helping them reach home safely, Some of his Telugu fi lms have India enforced a strict lockdown the actor would interact with the tasted success in the box offi ce. on March 25 post which people migrant workers through video He has a Bengali fi lm to his credit sent messages on his social media calls to understand their situation as well. While the shooting of handles, seeking his help and and mentally support them. He Odia fi lms is yet to resume post intervention. even donated a sum of Rs 1 lakh lockdown, everybody can’t wait to to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund “Earlier, people had watched me as see their reel hero Sabyasachi on to fi ght against the coronavirus a hero on the big screen. But I felt the big screen again. pandemic. Mishra did all of this it was the right time to translate

19 STARTUP TIMES

our platform especially aft er this Covid crisis. Essentially, we will be connecting the blue collared workers with their employers. Going forward, we will be launching many such products for them in collaboration with Debi Prasad Sarangi Niyogin”, said Sarangi. CEO, iServeU iServeU is eyeing a turnover of Rs 100 crore and an enterprise ebi Prasad approximately 80 percent of usual valuation of Rs 300 crore by 2022. Sarangi is costs). iServeU is associated with Also, over the next two to three the founder major private banks in India like years, the company intends to set & CEO of RBL Bank, YES Bank, Kotak up more than 10 lakh retail points iServeU, a Mahindra Bank, IndusInd Bank, across the country. Th e Covid 19 D Bhubaneswar HDFC, ICICI Bank, AXIS Bank proved to be a blessing in disguise based fi ntech startup and a DIPP and Fino Payments Bank as FI for iServeU. When most of the certifi ed company recognized by solution providers. Recently, BSE bank branches were operating at the StartUp India programme listed, fi ntech company Niyogin, truncated capacity due to restricted of the Government of India. has acquired a 51 per cent strategic manpower, the company recorded Committed to making India a and controlling stake in iServeU a surge in fi nancial transactions. fi nancially inclusive society, the for Rs 592 million ($8 million) in a iServeU accounted for 40-50 per company is successfully running cash plus stock deal. cent of the DBT (Direct Benefi t several technology solutions Transfer) transactions valued in Niyogin’s vision is to create a in partnership with Banks, upwards of Rs 3000 crore over the full-stack digital platform for NBFCs, Financial Institution last six months. the underserved and bring best Players and Corporate Business in class products and services “We will continue to create value Correspondents. iServeU is on the platform. Niyogin has for our existing partners, our proud to announce its integration been scaling its unique platform banking partners. Th e partnership with 10+ major banks in India, through a network of fi nancial with Niyogin will help us to 90000+ retailers and 1200 crore professionals along with products cross sell each other’s products. transactions processing per month, such as wealth, credit and other We are off ering an opportunity 25000+ villages across India & SaaS-based products that help to migrant labourers to apply 500+ concurrent transactions digitise small businesses. “We will for jobs through our platform per second. iServeU is the only continue to create value for our especially aft er this Covid crisis. fi nancial inclusion solution existing partners, our banking Essentially, we will be connecting provider that is architected on the partners. Th e partnership with the blue collared workers with their latest technology stack and is fully Niyogin will help us to cross sell employers. Going forward, we will micro-services enabled (allowing each other’s products. We are be launching many such products fully elastic cloud deployment off ering an opportunity to migrant for them in collaboration with and reducing infra-costs by labourers to apply for jobs through Niyogin”, said Sarangi.

20 EDUCATION TIMES

distinguishes Shakti +2 Science College from the rest? I started my career as a typical tuition master. Th e journey from a tuition master to an edupreneur became possible because of my passion for teaching. I even think Mr. Shakti Behera of interesting and innovative ways of teaching my students in my MD sleep. Shakti +2 Science College We have trained our teachers to f there is one I feel ecstatic! I am grateful to follow an interesting approach college in God that our hard work has paid while teaching. Also, we always try Odisha that off . It wouldn’t have been possible to provide a homely atmosphere to has stood the without the dedication and passion our students in the college. I treat test of time of my students. It’s challenging my students as my own children, I & produced because we are competing with and I think that has made all the stellar results year aft er year, colleges that have been there even diff erence. then it has to be Cuttack-based before I was born. But we have Tell us how are the students at Shakti +2 Science College. Backed been able to produce toppers due Shakti +2 Science College get by quality classroom teaching, to our meticulous planning. In this prepared for the CHSE & other top dedicated teaching & non-teaching competitive age, it has boiled down competitive exams? staff and infrastructure, Shakti +2 to ‘survival of the fi ttest’. We are Science College is one of the most just trying to fi t in, into this. We try to train the students from sought-aft er colleges for students a very basic level. For competitive Your college has been churning out in Odisha. Like every year, Shakti exams, we teach foundation toppers year aft er year. What do institute has always grabbed courses to the 8th, 9th and 10th you think is the secret behind this the headlines this year too aft er standard students. We also pay phenomenal success? coming out with fl ying colours in special attention to +2 Board exam. the CHSE examinations. Despite Th ere is no secret or short-cut to We provide our students with the being a self-fi nancing private success. It is pure hard work and best quality notes containing some college, it has left behind all the dedication. We constantly try to unique points which would give +2 Science Colleges in the State. motivate our diligent students to them an extra edge in the exams. study for about 12-16 hours. For our In an exclusive interview with What are your future plans for average students, I try to make the the Founder Mr Shakti Behera Shakti Group of Institutions? Most Inspirational Personality, lectures as entertaining as possible. Managing Director of Shakti +2 Th e idea is to make the students study My aim in life is to teach my Science College, Cuttack. without making them realize that students and make them stand on they are studying. Th e more they their own feet. Since the last 20 Shakti +2 Science College, Cuttack enjoy the learning process, the more years, I have been teaching 10 to 20 has once created history in the CHSE they retain the concepts quickly. underprivileged students every year Examinations this year too. how without charging a single penny. does it feel? What is that one thing that

21 AGRICULTURE TIMES

friends, started the organization Baba Balunkeswara Gramya Bikash Parisada aiming to create protected artifi cial forest land, unharmed by the vicious people. Apart from planting millions of trees, Baba Balunkeswara Gramya Bikash Parisada also provides shelters to Amresh Naresh Samanta a lot of birds in the forest. Human activities have led many birds on the verge of extinction as well; uman beings towards the restoration of our therefore Amresh along with his are by far beautiful planet is Amresh Naresh team provides shelter by building the most Samanta. many nests for the birds with soil intelligent Amresh Naresh Samanta is an and organic materials like twigs, creatures on engineer by profession but an grass and leaves. In the summer H the planet environmental activist by work. season, they give water to them and earth. Th e almighty brain of Th e task done by him in close to during winter, they feed them as humans could have been utilized two decades is nothing short of a well. to preserve our mother earth for miracle. Mr Samantha has built future generation by maintaining Th e noble work of Amresh and 20 forests in the last 19 years. It a perfect ecological harmony. his team gets continuous support is nothing but his commitment However, the never-ending of the local people as well as the towards the mother earth, which rapacious nature of humans government. Cheers to the saviours motivates him to heal the planet unfolded our planet towards the of the motherland, who gives hope every day. virtue of extinction. Not only, we for the future generation to witness as humans have also wiped out It all started twenty-fi ve years ago the blossoming of the fl owers and entire species of fl ora and fauna when Amresh was just a teenager. the chirping of the birds. by cutting acres of forest land He was deeply depressed to witness every day; we have even risked the unanimous cutting down of our species to the threshold of trees in front of him. Th erefore, he extinction. decided to plant a tree every day. However, the major turnaround Th e unfortunate part is that even came in the year 1999 when today, the majority of the people Odisha was devastated with the are unaware of the environmental Super Cyclone. Samanta could not crises the earth is facing. Most witness the massive destruction of of them are indeed deliberate to forest due to the cyclone. fi ll the pockets with huge loads of cash. However, few pioneers Th e Super Cyclone in 1999 made continue their fi ght to restore the Amresh Naresh Samanta more peace and harmony of mother determined to save the mother earth. One of the messiahs working earth. He, along with few of his

22 STEEL & MINING TIMES

cent capacity utilization in all most of my last assignments. In his 27 years of experience, he has achieved excellence in all assignments with a rich and varied experience of working in Dr. Subhasish Das 16 states and six countries. Das is Director, an astute professional and has the Ardent Steel Ltd. entrepreneurial skill to head any organization to make it number r. Subhasish country. He has the distinction one and expanding to make it a Das is a of running a plant in London to global player. corporate manage 100 Britons in his career. He has been feted with awards leader of He has been awarded many times like Rajeev Gandhi excellence stellar for achieving Excellency working award from Govt. of India. • Best D credentials. with these companies. Corporate Aff airs and Admin man He has donned many hats in his Das has then persuaded an of Eastern zone by CII for 2014- glittering career- from running academic career and taught in 15. He has also authored 2 books a plant in London to teach at institutes like XIMB, IMB. IIM published by Excel Publication. distinguished B schools like for more than seven years in IIM and Xavier Institute of As an industry leader, Das has subjects like Strategic management, Management, Bhubaneswar. Born been associated with myriad Marketing, sales and distribution, on May 1, 1967, Das hails from positions- Mining convenor-CII CRM etc from 2000-2008. Rourkela. Aft er a B.Sc from OUAT, YEAR 2013-14-Odisha, Executive he did an MBA from the faculty of Currently, he is working as whole Member-Eastern Zonal Mining Management Studies (FMS), Delhi time Director of Ardent Steel (Hira Association, Vice President-Pellet University. He also holds a PhD group Company) since June 2014 Manufacture Association of India, from Manchester Business School, handling a 0.72 million tonne Secretary General-Napthalene London in 2005. per annum (mtpa) pellet plant & Producers Association of India, expanding upto 1.2mtpa ISP with Secretary General-Coal Tar Has started his career from Godrej a turnover of more than 5000cr. producers Association of India and worked in companies like Th at apart, he has served as Chief and Executive Member-Sponge Mafatlal, Oswal in chemicals people offi cer (CPO)-HR and CA Iron Manufacturers Association of and Fertlizer industry in various at Mesco Steel-In charge of three India. capacities for 10 years, rising mtpa iron ore mines & 0.5mtpa through the ranks from a of pig iron plant from 2011- 2014 By Passion, Dr. Das has Management Trainee to General and Vice-president of a green fi eld produced one Odia Film and Manager (Marketing). Th e project (Welspun steel n Power work exposure includes starting authored couple of books Ltd) at Odisha of 3mtpa pellet plant from operation, marketing, HR, and seven mtpa benefi ciation plant exalting the pride of odia Branding and making these from 2008-2011.achieved 98 per Culture & Traditions. organizations placed across the

23 CORPORATE TIMES

its periphery while adhering to all social distancing norms, Mr Patel reveals. Most interestingly, he opined that IFFCO’s own “Jyoti Ladies Club”, run by all wives of the staff s came forward with full gusto to fi ght Mr. K.J.Patel against COVID-19 by feeding Unit Head, Paradeep Unit) hundreds of poor citizens for 15 IFFCO days at a stretch, an eff ort which was hugely praised from all he COVID-19 Mr. Patel strongly believes that quarters. Living up to its image of pandemic not IFFCO is itself a big joint family being at the service of people in just threw life built by the association of numbers times of crisis, IFFCO’s Paradeep out of gear but of like-minded common farmers, Unit had also built a Covid Care also crippled where humanity overrides the Centre within its premises. Th e T the economy technocratic appliances although Centre has scores of beds for of our country. Business fi rms, it is run by some professional the patients and is meticulously PSUs and major companies also Managers and Engineers at the managed by a team of nursing staff faced the wrath of coronavirus. forefront. “From the day, the led by Doctors. He also shared that But there were glaring examples of State Govt. called for the need of the Union Minister of Chemicals few Indian companies who fought shutdown a few months ago, we and Fertilizers, Mr D.V. Sadananda tooth and nail against coronavirus fi rst reached out to the farmers Gowda had complimented IFFCO and fi rmly withstood the tide of at their doorsteps to deliver the for its generous contribution of Rs uncertainties that came its way. much-needed support in terms 25 crore to PM CARES. Quoting I Very recently, IFFCO Paradeep of providing some lakhs of the Honourable Minister’s words, unit garnered rare accolades for masks for containing community “I am overwhelmed, and would its effi cient preparedness and transmissions,” he proudly said. He like to extend my sincere gratitude management in tackling the added that it was a great experience to the Managing Director, Covid-19 pandemic. Under the and learning to work with the management, employees and stewardship of Mr. K.J.Patel (Unit very responsible State Govt. where shareholders of IFFCO for this Head, Paradeep Unit), IFFCO had all the staff , from bureaucrats to act of selfl essness. Th is will be earlier reached envious heights in supportive staff , were enthusiastic extremely helpful in strengthening the country and this time around, to coordinate the works during our collective resolve to defeat the it won glowing praise from Subroto such unusual circumstances. pandemic.” Bagchi, Odisha government’s Echoing “charity begins from Mr. Patel also credited the success Chief Spokesperson for its eff orts home” and making a sense of to Dr. Udai Shankar Awasthi, to combat COVID-19. IFFCO it, voluntarily each employee of Managing Director & CEO, IFFCO initiated several measures for its IFFCO donated one day’s salary who has helped the company sail employees and associates following for feeding a few hundreds of its through all odds like a “father-like the coronavirus outbreak thanks to own daily workers as well some fi gure”. his leadership and timely guidance. poor sections of people living in

24 MEDIA TIMES

If someone has gone deepdown to the business cycle and political establishments of the state of Odisha and penned it widely decades aft er decades then he emerged as the most informative and inspirational in the fi eld of journalism. May tribe his spirits better and better.

Dilip Kumar Bisoi State Information Commissioner & Eminent Journalist

ilip Kumar Bisoi An active commentator of political and recently took oath as economic issues, Bisoi has contributed research the State Information papers at various national and international Commissioner. Bisoi has forums and seminars. He has authored a book been a veteran journalist – Public Debt in Odisha. D working with newspapers He has held an array of government offi ces of huge import such as Th e Indian Express and other positions- Member of the Odisha and Th e Financial Express. He commenced government’s labour department committee on his career in journalism with Odia vernacular Wage Board, Member of the state commerce behemoth Sambad. He has also served as the & transport department committee on Road Consulting Editor of MBC TV besides editing Safety, Jury Member of the Panchayati Raj another Odia daily Th e Samaya. Department award for Best Rural Local Bodies, Presently, he helms a news portal- Jury Member of the IMFA Group’s Sambhavi IndiaWhispers.com. Besides Odisha, Bisoi has Award for social changers, Director of Odisha worked in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) Punjab. In Punjab, he was felicitated with the and Board Member of Capital Hospital, ‘Punjab Journalists Association Award’ for Bhubaneswar. his intrepid reporting during the Khalistan Bisoi has been a visiting faculty to media movement. He has also been conferred the institutes within Odisha- Utkal University, ‘Hall of Fame Chanakya Award’ for the Best KIIT University and Academy of Management Business Journalist Award by the Public & Information Technology (AMIT), Relations Council of India. Bhubaneswar.

25 ENGINEERING TIMES

How does your PWD department carry development things especial- ly in COVID? To be fair enough, our department has done outstandingly in setting up Covid centres and isolation cen- Anil Kanta Tripathy tres across the state in a short span of time. More essentially, it was the EIC, PWD order of those times we delivered it to perfection. orn in June positions- Assistant Engineer, Th e PWD department has brought 1961, Anil Assistant Executive Engineer, many smiles to rural roads and Kanta Trip- Executive Engineer, Superin- buildings denizens. Does it always athy hails tending Engineer, Chief En- consist of your leadership as EIC, PWD? B from Bhan- gineer and the latest position janagar being the Engineer-in-Chief Th e Department of Works is in Ganjam district. A BTech under the Department of responsible for development and in civil engineering from the Works. Tripathy has rendered maintenance of infrastructure like National Institute of Technol- his services to the works de- roads, bridges and buildings which we do with utmost duty. ogy (NIT), Calicut (Kerala), partment, Odisha State Hous- Tripathy is a life member of ing Board, Odisha University What motivates you to perform as Indian Roads Congress and of Agriculture & Technology always best? Indian Building Congress and (OUAT) and Odisha Tourism Encouragement of higher authori- a Fellow of the Institution of Development Corporation ties and cooperation of colleagues Engineers, India. He joined (OTDC) in the fi eld of develop- motivate me to be more better and the government service in ment and infrastructure. better. 1983 serving in an array of

How do you feel being selected for making you as a responsible and Mr. Tripathy has earned Top 20 Most Inspirational per- professional Engineer? a reputation of no non- sonalities of Odisha 2020 as a top sense offi cer and has Finding a solution to stabilize Engineer? initiated major reforms a well Foundation of high level from online bidding I feel encouraged and motivated to Bridge over river Bansadhara in to grievances. During inspire more and more engineers Rayagada district while cooking, pendamic he launched to serve dedicatedly to the societies at about 9pm in 1986 and running a number of integrated in developing the infrastructure of to offi ce in night to complete the COVID Hospitals the state. design, was defi nitely the turning astonishingly in a short point of my life professionally. What was your turning point in span of time.

26 ENTERPRENEUR TIMES

products which has been inconveniently a burden for the Nation player in this business. Probably it is unrivaled in Odisha till today because of its advanced technology and innovation. Sandip Guha Roy He chills out beyond Prime Brand MD & Founder of Sauces in being a fi tness freak. Prime Agro Food Processing Pvt. Ltd. He opines he never misses visiting the gym and sweating out in n the late Since then, Prime Sauce has gone workouts. He thanks God for the 80s and 90s producing the best of products. support he gets from his family and even Th e parent company- Prime around the way. early 2000 Agro Food Processing Pvt Ltd His set of principles of when a chef churns out a wide bouquet of four entrepreneurship is that in Odisha I was asked hundred products ranging from if anyone wants to do any kind to bring diff erent kinds of sauce Sauces to spices products with an of Entrepreneurship he can do in cooking foods for any party or annual turnover close to Rs 80 it with ease irrespective of the engagements then instantly the crore which they have achieved in government’s affi liation as its value and credibility of the chef an astonishingly short time span culture and beliefs moulded with had gone skyrocketing. Sensing besides providing employment to creativity makes the destination that as an opportunity to explore, over 300 people. challenging. History speaks of its Prime Sauce “Sauce up your When asked by Th e Interview justifi cation of doing business in platter” emerged with the vision Times, Sandip Guha Roy replied Kalinga that is known as the hub of to off er the real taste of foods led with a smiley face it’s about business. by the committed entrepreneur perseverance- nothing else. He Sandip Guha Roy popularly known In comparison to those days, narrated it in a diff erent taste as as “Dada”. Ray believes that today the his friends say him he was not government is coming out to Ray recalls how the government technically savvy still he manages your unit to extend its helping was reclusive in setting to get the targets of selling. Th at hand and even going further by up a professional unit for doesn’t mean he is not gaining off ering you affi liation in global manufacturing sauces. But he knowledge about digital platforms export and fi nancial assistance to stood fi rm believing that the to expand sales of Prime Agro digital platforms. Th erefore what sauce market must evolve since by products but he sticks to being in drives you as an entrepreneur is nature humans love being foodies. business day in and day out prior absolutely your dedication to be a Without looking back, he started to that quality of products leap you better entrepreneur. Th at’s what I with this Prime venture with a loan a jump at a top level. have always pursued in making me amount of Rs one lakh sanctioned Nowadays, he hires all a better entrepreneur. under the PMRY scheme although professionals for R&D for his father was instrumental behind producing the best competitive all innovative ideas.

27 POLITICAL TIMES

viral on social media. Routray is one such personality who is revered by one and all cutting across all party lines. Also, most of the young guns in his party look up to him as inspiration. Th e senior Congress leader is leaving no stone unturned to back his party and is confi dent that the party will come back to power in the state soon. Notably, speculations were rife that his youngest son Manmath Routray, was all set to foray into active politics. Of late, Manmath has been closely observing and assisting his father in his ongoing eff orts to serve people in the constituency. It would be Sura Routray interesting to see if Manmath MLA, Jatni follows in his father’s footsteps or not in the near future. Routray who has been politically political millennials. active for many years, is yet to run heavyweight, out of gas. Instead, he is raring to As the incumbent Jatni MLA, Suresh Kumar play a long innings in politics and his contribution towards the Routray, serve people in his constituency development and progress of fondly called as much as he can. Truly, Odisha Jatni is noteworthy. He has A as Sura politics is blessed to have a political always ensured that the interests Routray has been the fl agbearer of leader of his stature and may he of his constituency people are the otherwise dwindling Congress continue to inspire the younger lot substantially met. Jatni, the party in the state for over two aspiring to foray into politics! melting pot of history, culture and decades now. Th ough the party has heritage of the state has witnessed seen innumerous ups and downs several ground-breaking initiatives Mr. Routray has never in the past, Routray has fi rmly under his tutelage. shied away speaking out stood with the political party like on any issues what matter a rock. Th e former Excise minister, Routray always loves to wear his to the State or Nation mostly remains in news for his heart on his sleeve. His humorous witty one-liners and tongue-in- one-liners and statements targeting beyond party politics. cheek statements that has made the ruling party in the state or few A political darling of all him a fond favorite among the controversial personalities oft en go journos.

28 HOTEL & HOSPITALITY TIMES

hotels, building excellent guest relationships, and improving the revenue, performance and profi le of newly launched and more established hotels. He has contributed for over 28 years very actively in development of the hospitality & tourism industry. He is involved in myriad associations- member of the Odisha State Tourism Promotion Council, Federation of Hotels & Restaurant Associations of India, Hotel & Restaurant Association of Eastern India, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Confederation of Indian Industry et al. Mohapatra has been decorated with awards- Honorary Diploma for Outstanding Contribution and Excellence in Souvagya Mohapatra Tourism & Hospitality, Recognized as “Architects of the Indian Executive Director Hospitality Industry” during 2016- Mayfair Hotels 17 in the Power List by Hotelier India and “Hotelier of the Year”, ne of the with an ethnic touch, colonial-style during Food Awards in 2018. most trusted and imbibing local architecture lieutenants and culture in design, coupled Mohapatra has been associated of Dilip Ray, with personalized services has with the Mayfair Group since Souvagya made MAYFAIR unique. Our 1994. Mayfair’s forte has been its O Mohapatra perfect timing of opening the right distinctiveness and the peerless has spearheaded the organic and property in the suitable destination service to the guests. inorganic expansion of the iconic and targeting the appropriate Th anks to the diligent eff orts Mayfair Group from a single, low- market segment has given us invested by Mohapatra, the rise property at Rourkela to 12 plus strategic advantages”, Mohapatra properties owned and operated hotels across the country. says. by Mayfair Group have always Insiders say Mohapatra is the only Mohapatra is a commercially upstaged rivals and trumped executive whom Ray, the CMD of astute professional with an competition. “Ninety percent of the Mayfair conglomerate trusts exceptional and consistent record Mayfair properties are number one so implicitly. “Our idea to create of success in developing and in the city or town in which they luxurious world-class properties quality management of prestigious operate.

29 REAL-ESTATE TIMES

realizing the vision and true purpose of my life. I took my time to understand and recognize the demand and need in the market. I had bootstrapped my fi rst project with every little savings that me Chetan kumar Tekariwal and my wife had collected over the years. We had taken a big leap MD-Harshpriya of faith and started our journey. Constructions Pvt Ltd By lord Jagannath’s grace and the overwhelming support by the he name that infrastructure here and to bring people of Odisha, our projects has earned new & modern inspired lifestyle were successful and that motivated a respect in into the fi t. Although here we were us to keep moving forward. Th e the fi eld of continuously inspired by modern journey demanded a lot of patience real estate cities such as Kolkata, we tried to and perseverance. In business or T over decades merge it with Odisha’s rich art and life, starting might be easier, but of professionalism Peppered geography. In many of our projects, sustaining and thriving is the with loaded of innovations is you would fi nd our buildings hard part. It was diffi cult to bring rife now,look at Z1 properties sprawling colossal wide than the new modern technologies in that’s another milestones in his aiming only to be towering. We tandem with the existing ones. It kitty of his brilliance.Mr. Chetan brought some of the fi rst projects in took time and eff ort for us to evolve Kumar Tekariwal founder of Odisha that provided a sustainable our projects into the vision we Harshpriya Construction has infrastructure for residents of the wanted to mold it in. But one thing been in the league of Inspirational apartments that promoted long was constant- to diff er and be better personalities not just of its term & holistic development of a than our previous projects. Th at’s successful projects rather his community, alongside some world- how we moved from smaller initial burnishing credibility in this fi eld . class amenities to foster growth projects to colossal projects like Z1. through modern lifestyle. It all What’s the secret of the success of lies in the vision of the company Did you think over plan B to Harshpriya Constructions Pvt Ltd? and the adaptability required to counter COVID in terms of Around 30 – 35 years back, Odisha do things diff erently, that in my expanding your upcoming was just beginning to develop. opinion, would be our secret to projects? Th ere were only a handful of good success. Adaptation of Technology: At projects then, and I knew that I How diffi cult was the journey to Harshpriya Constructions we wanted to see a modern Odisha. I start from scratch to the projects ensured the construction activates stuck to my vision and 30 years ago like Z1? to run smoothly even with fewer I did my fi rst private project and it employees at site. So we created was a grand success. Th e journey to start the company a process in which verifi cation was let alone quite diffi cult, keeping At Harshpriya Constructions of work and giving feedback to aside the journey aft er. I had tried we believed in the vision for the site supervisors can be done businesses in other fi elds before revolutionizing the Real Estate through digital media.

30 ART & CULTURE TIMES

which was approved by the Union ministry. Once the preliminary sketches were okayed, he was called to New Delhi to submit his fi nal design, which, too, was approved and he was assigned the job of making the trophies for the Gajendra Sahu prestigious sports awards every Secretary year. Sahu is a proud person when Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi he sees the sporting personalities carry the awards made by him his Republic competitions in the school. By the in their hands every year. Not Day Parade time I reached school, I was already only Arjuna Awards, Sahu is brought convinced to be a painter in the also the creator of Dronacharya, cheers for future. In fact, once our teacher Dhyanchand and Tenzing Norgay the state this in school asked all the students to trophies that are presented every T year when share about their ambitions in life. year by the Union Sports and the Odisha tableau secured the And my answer was that I want to Youth Aff airs Ministry. creditable second position. A team be an artist,” Sahu reminisces. of Odia artists led by eminent artist Th e same year, he was also Sahu completed the pre-degree Gajendra Sahu had prepared the entrusted to prepare the Odisha course from a local college in tableau that had the structure of tableau to be showcased at the Balasore district but he soon Rukuna Rath and the 11th century Republic Day parade in New joined an art college at Khalikote Lingaraj Temple and grabbed Delhi in 2009. He had prepared in Ganjam district from where everybody’s attention. Sahu, who the Khandagiri and Udaygiri he obtained a bachelor’s degree currently holds the position of caves that year followed by Boita in fi ne arts. He then began Secretary of Odisha Lalit Kala Bandana and Dola Yatra in 2016 his professional career in the Akademi, has been preparing the and 2017 respectively. advertisement department of Odisha tableaux over the years and a local daily and subsequently And this year, he and his team had bringing laurels for the state. joined as a faculty member in the prepared the structure of Rukuna Born in a nondescript village Department of Graphic Art in Rath refl ecting the heritage of in Balasore district, Sahu was BK College of Art and Craft s in Lingaraj Temple. “By God’s grace, drawn to painting right in his Bhubaneswar. Th e turning point in I got the opportunity of making childhood by watching his mother Sahu’s life, however, came in 2009 the tableau of the state for the create attractive Rangolis at home when the Ministry of Sports and fourth time this year. It is an especially during festivals. “My Youth Aff airs decided to re-design honour to showcase the state’s mother was very good at creating the trophy for the popular and rich culture and heritage at such a Rangolis. I got attracted to the most sought-aft er Arjuna Award prestigious platform,” he said. In bright colors and design patterns for sporting icons and invited addition to that, he has also been used in making Rangolis and applications from artists across making trophies for the Odisha oft en tried my hands at it. Later, the country. Sahu responded and government’s prestigious award I took part in several painting sent the sketches of his design functions.

31 32 33 SCHEME TIMES MGNREGA THE LARGEST WORKFARE BY : SOMNATH SAHU

GNREGA, Th e Union Budget (of this fi scal recognized year FY2020-2021) has allocated as the world’s a fund of Rs 61,500 crore. From largest social the numbers’ perspective, the security and allotment that was done in the M public work budget is 9% less as compared with programmes, is the hope of lakhs the revised estimate of FY 2019-20 of workers that have lost their (Rs 71,002 crore). livelihood in this global pandemic An additional Rs 40,000 crore has times. With each passing days, also been inserted, this May, to their survival is questioned and meet the COVID19 crisis upon the fi nding the means to feed their migrant worker. With this relief stomach becomes their fi rst hunt. package, the fi nal sum amounts to MGNREGA-Mahatma Gandhi Rs 101,500 crore for this year. National Rural Employment For some, this is considered Guarantee Act- was legislated and a well timely respite for the passed in 2005 under the UPA labourer, while some activist and government. Formerly known as organization claim it to be a half- NREGA, it is a demand-driven hearted measure. Th ere are claims programme that provides at least and acquisition that this amount 100 days of guaranteed wage will not be of any help as it would employment in a fi nancial year only be drained in clearing up the to a rural household whose adult previous year’s pending arrears. member volunteers to do unskilled manual work. Th e NREGA Sangharsh Morcha And if the work isn’t provided within the 15 days of application, the applicant is entitled to an unemployment allowance as per the act. Besides the creation of productive and durable rural assets, the core objective and its goals also include- strengthening the livelihood resource base of the poor, empowerment of the socially disadvantaged and enhanced social protection of the people.

34 EMPLOYMENT TIMES fi nds that around 20% of the activities, the paralysis of the for employment has increased, but budget is used to clear the past implementation of MGNREGA it seems the government has failed years’ arrears. Hence, it’s no will defi nitely break their spine, if to address it completely, resulting such relief as it is displayed. A not today but tomorrow for sure. in addition to the pending study report released by Rajendra On the 29th of June, many workers liabilities. Narayan (Azam Premji University) across the country rose to demand Th e average days of employment and two other independent an increase in the guarantee of are below 50, and at times the researchers reveals that 68% of work to 200 days/person and the unemployment allowance gets payment is not released timely to daily wages rates to be Rs 600. delayed for months too which are the people. Th ey were also seen demanding indeed a violation of the mandate From many of the lacuna running work on only locally planned of the act. It is also publicized that in this scheme, the most that hit is segment and projects. Th e demand states suppress the demand for work and turn away the worker. Th e inadequate allocation of funds and corruption at various levels have undoubtedly led to backlogs of payments of wages, and this is no reasonable scenario at times when workers are also progressing towards reverse migration. It certainly indicates that negligence of the government towards the execution and purpose of the act. Some suggestions have surfaced from various corners. It will not reduce the cost at other sectors but also provide an opportunity for the government to handle the unemployment crisis of the unskilled workers. Th e said increased allocation (Rs 40,000 cr) and attention, though is a very welcome move, yet it won’t be suffi cient to counter the current issues of reverse migration, standstill production and declining GDP of the nation. the amount to be delivered to the workers. Th is is of high importance now, as millions have lost their jobs and have returned home due to the pandemic. Th e lockdown that’s prevailing does not allow them to work elsewhere too. In India, most of the rural household (these days) get their majority of income from something other than agriculture. With all the shutdown of economic

35 36 37 SOCIAL TIMES THE CRUSADER health. He is closely associated with a number of sports clubs and helping them to promote sports like cricket, football, volleyball, etc. Rout's contribution to promote agriculture and related activities in the district is truly praiseworthy. He is closely connected with several co-operative societies and guiding them to work progressively for the uplift ment of the farming community. Also, in order to redress the grievances of the farmers, he is in constant touch with the agriculture wing of the district. Rout is the fi rst one to be remembered by the local people especially during the festivals. Despite his hectic schedule, he never fails to extend his support and co-operation to the Puja Committees for successful conduct of religious activities in the district. His eff orts to promote communal harmony between Hindu and Muslim communities in the district is exemplary. He has taken a key role to ensure that peace, brotherhood and unity is not compromised during celebration of any important festival in Kendrapada. Students, mostly belonging to the minority community, are given ample opportunities to pursue their interests in studies. Rout has also set up Kendrapada Public School, an he greatness of a person lies in English-medium school that imparts education to his heart, not in his head. And the rural children in the district at an aff ordable cost. Ajoy Kumar Rout truly proves Started in 2008, the school has played a pivotal role to it. Born and raised in a remote bring academic renaissance in the district and proved village in Kendrapada district, to be a catalyst for many students aspiring to achieve T Rout has proved his credentials big in life. At present, there are 1250 students in total. as a selfl ess social activist A selfl ess social activist, Rout is closely associated with and devoted educationist. A meritorious student numerous philanthropic organizations and giving throughout his career, Rout was actively involved back to the society as much as he can. Under his in student politics at college. Inspired by the likes able guidance, a number of health camps, plantation of political stalwarts Biju Babu, Nilamani Routray, programs, legal aid camps, awareness campaigns, Sarat Kumar Dev, Rabi Ray & Dinabandhu Sahoo, he etc have been organized. Rout, a Rotarian, has worked with prominent leaders of the state as well. participated in relief and rescue operations whenever Th e desire to bring a change in society evoked the any natural calamity has struck the district. On the social activist in him and he decided to dedicate his literary front, a weekly newspaper 'Th e Tulasi Kshetra' life in serving others. A reader in sociology in Tulasi is published, thanks to his constant eff orts, with an Women's College, Kendrapada, Rout has always taken aim to promote the literary talents in Kendrapada the lead in organizing several youth-based sports district. Rout's only mission is to build a progressive activities in Kendrapada district. He believes that and prosperous state free from poverty, corruption, sports is vital to the holistic development of young dishonesty and thereby materialize the dreams of people, fostering their physical, social and emotional former Odisha CM Late Biju Babu.

38 39 POSITIVE TIMES A JOURNALIST WHO QUITS HER JOB TO COMMUNE AMONG ADIVASIS How did you start your journey from a journalist to a farmer? Sharanya Nayak was once an aspiring journalist. She is now I joined the Indian Express learning to become a farmer and a cultural activist. She is also a as a Sub-Editor in 1996 aft er member of the Asia Pacifi c Forum on Women, Law and Devel- completing my postgraduate opment (APWLD), a forum of radical feminists. studies in Sociology from the She has been learning and working with indigenous commu- Central University of Hyderabad. nities in the undivided Koraput district of Odisha. In this era In the three years of my work period, I realised that the biggest of indiscriminate industrialization, she, along with indigenous aim of my life was to stand communities, has been trying to conserve the ecologically sus- with communities who were tainable cultural practices and ecologically embedded education marginalised. systems which communities have been practising since genera- Also, I realised that I won’t be tions. able to achieve my goal staying in Bhubaneswar. So, I quit my job and strengthening ecological resilience, diversity of languages, philosophy started working with Adivasi and gender rights, community forest of science and knowledge, deep Dalit communities as a Program rights and cultural education of the connection and uses of the jungles Offi cer at ActionAid India. I indigenous peoples. and their 1000 years of learning or worked for these communities in educational experiences. Malkanigiri, Rayagada, Koraput During my working period, I and Bolangir. unlearnt a lot and learnt afresh But in the meantime, I felt that almost everything about life from these things are disappearing Th rough this funding agency, I the Adivasi communities. Th eir day by day because of rapid worked on various projects like way of cultivation, ways of life, industrialization and imposition of Hindutva identities on them through school systems and what we call over-governance. So, I felt that the time had come to do something to work with the communities to conserve their history and heritage. Again, I quit my job and started learning and conserving climate-resilient ecological farming systems and engaging with children and youth to rebuild their ecologically embedded community learning systems. How did you implement your project?

40 I bought 10 acres of land which I now regret immensely as I should have never owned any inch of land that historically belonged to the Adivasis and was fraudulently stolen from them by the non- Adivasis castes like mine. So now, I am in the process of giving back this land to them through building a commune of Adivasi families on that farm which we call Rangmatiadar. We fi rst built a house on the land and subsequently started farming there. In the course of time, we built our commune there. Th e mixed- cropping method of ecological farming is what I learnt from them and which we are following at What kind of problem did you see this practice of open learning Rangmatipadar. Th rough mono- in tribal areas? cultural sessions with children every evening. cropping every farmer exposes Government rule in Adivasi areas herself/himself to more risks than is very violent and racist. It does What is your revival goal? sustainability. But mix-cropping not refl ect the aspirations of the I have no specifi c goal but the contains diff erent families of crops Adivasi people. Th e government only thing that drives me is the which are not equally aff ected by is forcing mono-crop farming dream that the Adivasi ways climate fl uctuations. and timber-based plantations on of life starting from farming Adivasi forests and hills. Each crop has its own ecosystem practices to culture, to linguistic of friend and enemy insects. Th is It is replacing traditional seed traditions, their own survival is how you can actually make your varieties with hybrid and high- instincts and their vibrant societies agriculture ecologically sustainable yielding varieties of paddy and and ecologically sustainable and resilient. And, this is also millets. Th is has weakened philosophies will get societal something that I learnt from my their ecologically sound and respect, legal recognition and mentor Dr Debal Deb. Now, we sustainable agriculture systems. constitutional dignity. I know it’s are three families on the farm, Besides agricultural heritage, a long road ahead and a tough two from Koraput and one from their rich linguistic culture is journey to traverse but I am trying Malkanigiri who are collectively being destroyed because of Odia as per my capacity to make it a farming. We are cultivating 12 language in schools. Non-inclusion possibility. Industrialisation and types of paddy, 5 types of millets, 2 of their language and culture in mining only destroy their worlds types of corn and diff erent types of the education syllabus has led to and the global environment. vegetables on the land. a silent cultural genocide. Adivasi Th is needs to be stopped. People students are facing racist and Apart from these things, we are need to understand that Adivasi colonial abuse inside the schools, also helping regenerate mix- societies are not illiterate, there is a for which they are refusing to go to cropping systems in three nearby better way to term it – they are the school. villages, Daleiput, Machchra and people of advanced oral cultures. Mandaguda. And, we also engage It is very painful that an Adivasi Th ey have their own language, own with their children in the evenings child should have to leave their way of life, agricultural knowledge through storytelling from their community, culture and lands to and collective cultures. I have just parents and community elders so get an education, which bothers started this from three villages. that they can be reinitiated into me a lot. To revive community-led Hopefully, someday gradually their tribal cultures, worldviews, learning systems and conserve more villages and peoples will also knowledge systems and histories. their cultural heritage, we started join us.

41 42 43 DIALOGUE TIMES

SAYAK KARMAKAR VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN A TABOO NOT SPOKEN ALOUD

henever Discrimination comes into the planet earth (if not all) runs on the topic permanence, the MEN section of the patriarchal society. of Gender the society is always tagged as the In this society, men are adversary. Th e society here is not characterized as supernatural to be blamed as the major chunk of W powers who are brawny, take all 44 DIALOGUE TIMES the signifi cant decisions in a Aft er a certain point in time, family matter, are always superior Vishnu’s in-laws even prohibited to any other gender, and are the him from sending money to sole guardian of society. his family. Th ere was constant physical and verbal abuse from Th ese erroneously trademarked his wife. All these led him to fall characters deceitfully secure men into a chronicle depressive state. to be the best creatures of the played by Paresh Rawal, which It was only aft er divorce, and planet world, leading to unjust loosely translates, “now the court through clinical therapy, he was and age-old discrimination to has to believe that a woman has able to lead a healthy life back in the FEMALE section of society. raped a man.” Th e scenario is the his home town Kerala. MALES also get vulnerable to same, even today. Men fear to go the stigma, thereby falling into a Millions of Vishnu lead the same to court or taking legal action severe case of mental disorders. life of misery and perversion. against their opposite gender Th ere is an important statement because of the fear of being a Sad, but true, society still doesn’t of Vishnu in which he speaks mockery piece. Till today, the concede that the only divergence of being afraid to tell about his majority of people won’t believe of men and women is through ill-treatment to anyone, with the violence against men to be actual. biological appearance, which fear of being ridiculed. Th at’s For them, it’s just a myth that is the gift of mother nature. precisely the same predicament, gets sidelined due to the demonic In all other categories of life, which the vilifi ed male section showcase of a TRUE MAN in both genders have equal mental of the society face. In a very society. and physical capacities to excel popular Bollywood movie equally. Th erefore, whenever It is high time for society to take Aitraaz, starring Akshay Kumar, we talk about violence against a violence against men as a serious Priyanka Chopra, and Kareena particular gender, we periodically crime and not consider it as a Kapoor Khan, it showcases how a accede, women, to be the victims bizarre and eccentric concern of man gets ridiculed when he takes and men the culprits. However, amusement. MEN and WOMEN the help of law to fi ght against violence against men is not a are equal, and the crimes women who sexually molest him. myth in the 21st century. occurring on them are equally Th ere is a dialogue of a lawyer punishable. Millions of men face the vengeance of physical, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse. Th e protagonist here maybe men as well as women. However, unlike the most suff ered gender, there is not much talk about violence against men in the world. However, the fact is that men’s suff erings are no less torturous than what a woman suff ers in everyday life. Th ere is an excellent article on violence against men on the website Th e Week. It is a story of a man named Vishnu, who was 28 years of age at the time the story published. Th e man describes his gruesome tale of how his wife and in-laws ridiculed him, every day, for his low socioeconomic status.

45 ECONOMY TIMES

BY : MOUSAMI JENA INACTIVE ECONOMY HIT INDIA’S ASPIRING MIDDLE CLASS IN LIMBO

he coronavirus pandemic came as a crushing T out the dreams of millions of middle-class people globally and worsened the economic woes since early 2020. When the novel coronavirus fi rst emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan, little did Indians have imagined the virus would hurt them so unfavorable. Before the pandemic hit India, the country induced slowdown collided India’s A report recently highlighted has already witnessed a surge middle class and livelihood? that more than 1.8 crore salaried jobs, which is a whopping 22 in economic hardships such as Sources from the Centre percent loss during the ongoing unemployment, which was at a for Monitoring Indian economic crisis, whereas nearly four-decade high. Companies were Economy(CMIE), revealed that 50 lakh of them in July. India’s recurrently laying off employees. the pandemic had worst hit the middle-income group constructs incomes of India’s middle class Th e country’s existing economic the largest source of employment and it could worsen if the situation problems accelerated drastically and cash fl ow for the economically since April 2020, soon aft er “Th e hit on incomes in the inter- weaker sections, which makes the government announced a them an integral part of India’s lockdown. Th e pandemic came val of lockdown felt among the household income spectrum, and recovery. In the present situation, crushing to the dreams of millions nothing seems to be in action of middle-class people in India the worst hit is the middle classes and the upper-middle classes. in favor of the middle-income and worsened India’s economic group, with hardly any help from woes. For decades, India has a vast “Middle-income households, at the higher income levels, have the government except the loan middle-class population and has moratorium. Th ough, many argued been a critical engine to drive the suff ered much as they had a lot more to lose. Th eir loss is more that the middle class requires a economy, which has contributed to lot more than just a moratorium the growth of diverse sectors. than 30 percentage points,” CMIE highlighted in the report. if the country demands faster Th is correlation is the reason why recovery of the economy. A more pandemic toppled the country’s robust middle-class population would boost demand and economy. growth dynamic system. does not be on the proper watch. However, for a holistic recovery Unemployment catered the highest How Middle-class incomes of the Indian economy, the among the middle class, engaged in worst hit Data sets on demand, government calls to fi nd ways for salaried jobs of urban and semi- employment, and household the middle-income families, who urban regions struck. incomes showed how the virus- now fi nd themselves in limbo.

46 COVID TIMES

BY : SOMANATH SAHU DO WEARING MASKS REALLY MATTER? he issue of wearing face in public is coming up frequently T these days. A common sentiment is, “If I am not at high risk for COVID-19, then why should I wear a mask?” I speculate this is the reason why so many people in public sites don’t bother to cover their nose and mouth. Th e truth is I have never worn a mask in my life before COVID. In my culture, it’s just not a thing and I remember the fi rst time I saw a person wearing a mask in Japan. It was a lady, and there was wear it not just to be polite, but to Coronavirus! Th ey can spread it to no COVID, no virus attack but she save people’s lives. If you are sick, others until it reaches a person who still wore a mask! When asked she then without a mask 100% of the may die from this disease. Forget replied, “Wearing a mask is a sign politics, science doesn’t lie about of politeness”. the fundamental concept behind American president Donald wearing a mask. Th at’s why in When a person has the fl u, their Trump once stated that “Th is Hong Kong 97% of the population main responsibility was not to is voluntary, I don’t think I am wear masks. spread it to other people. It was a going to do it”. But for those who selfl ess act to protect others and don’t care about politics what is According to a recent study, if 80% of that was the culture in Japan. the right thing to do? the population wore a mask it would So naturally, with COVID almost help to subdue COVID more than a everyone here wears a mask. Th ey strict LOCKDOWN would. In other words, a mask saves lives, a mask is droplets spread to people around more eff ective than a lockdown, a you but with a mask almost 90% Th e Government has recom- mask allows us to start the economy. of mouth droplets get contained. mended, “Wearing a mask in In that case, the choice is much clear And even if you are not sick people public sectors where social dis- than ever do we play with someone should compulsorily wear masks. tancing measures are diffi cult to else’s life or do we wear a mask and maintain (e.g., grocery stores and Many COVID cases are cover our mouth. Th at depends upon pharmacies) especially in areas asymptomatic which means even if us how we represent ourselves, how of signifi cant community-based you are feeling well and everything much we conscious about our health, transmission is mandatory.” is normal you may still have and for our country.

47 SOCIAL TIMES Fashion show, Aarya Awards, SHRIE Awards, PARAMPARA, etc. have been widely appreciat- ed from all quarters for its social D connect. id you always want you to become It is believed that Parichay Foun- a social activist? dation has done some stellar con- tributions to the society during the Helping others was already in my COVID-19 pandemic,how was that blood. As a child I grew up watch- experience? ing my paternal and maternal grandparents help poor people and Th e COVID-19 pandemic has hit my parents, especially my father, a hard on the lives and livelihood of 5-time Member of Parliament who many. By God's grace, we sup- was widely known for his honesty ported over 9,000 poor families and selfl ess nature. So I took up through crowd-funding and gen- social activism as a passion since it erous donations from individual gives me immense pleasure to see a donors and corporates like Nestle smile on others' faces through my India, Tech Mahindra Founda- little eff orts. Slowly I got immersed tion, Ruchi Foodline and Antriksh in the cause of women empow- among others. Few of our activities erment and associated myself by included distribution of dry ration initiating diff erent path-breaking and consumer packaged goods, projects for them. ON THE supporting the weaving communi- ty, organizing awareness programs Your organization, Parichay Foun- in slums through our SMS cam- dation is a foremost name in the paign (Social distancing, wearing fi eld of social service in India to- Masks & Sanitization), etc. day. What was the objective behind its outreach? Whom do you see as your source RISE of inspirations? Th e main objective was to reach An exclusive interview with out to people on a large scale by award-winning philanthro- Frankly speaking, I am deeply raising funds. I'd like to men- pist, motivational speaker and inspired by my father Dr Prasanna tion that my father and husband Founder of Parichay Foundation Kumar Patasani and husband Sj. inspired and guided me a lot in this Dr. Rosalin Patasani Mishra. Priyadarshi Mishra, who stood by regard. Today, Parichay Founda- Excerpts follow- me like a pillar. What I am today tion, is a huge team of young and is because I was brought up by a dynamic volunteers and commit- BY : SUBHOJIT PANDA strong woman, my mother Smt. ted advisers and donors. Bijoylaxmi Patasani. our project 'PARINEETI- Woman Tell us in brief about the successful Whats your vision in the near of Substance' aimed at promoting activities carried by your Founda- future? the weavers families in Odisha tion. during the COVID-19 pandemic I have a long cherished dream of Parichay has initiated a string of was a huge success. Also, we con- opening a school for slum children projects that have benefi ted thou- tributed Rs 1 lakh to set up a toilet in Bhubaneswar and an old-age sands of benefi ciaries. Th rough for a family comprising 24 women home for sick people abandoned by our project 'Pareeksha' (Alaknanda in Maniabandha village, as part of their kith and kin. I am working Scholarship), we have provided our pilot project 'Pahal' on hygiene hard towards achieving my dream scholarships to various meritorious and cleanliness. We have been and hopeful of fulfi lling them one students and drop-out girl students constantly working for the cause of day. who get enrolled under NIOS (Na- cancer-stricken patients and acid tional Institute of open schooling) attack survivors. Our other initia- to continue their studies. Recently, tives like fund-raising event KIAH 48 SPORTS TIMES RUGBY QUEEN uccess can not Th ough she had keen interest in Th e team won the historic bronze be achieved sports, she wasn't able to play any medal at the tournament. Th is overnight. It games in the village, because girls was followed by the World Games, is the result were not given that freedom. One France, Rugby Olympic Qualifi ers, of years of fi ne day, Sumitra saw her seniors Dubai and 15-a-side Asian Rugby S unswerving practice rugby and was imme- Championship, Singapore and eff orts, rigorous hard work, and diately drawn towards the sport. Philippines. Post that, she helped fi rm determination. And star rugby "I had no idea how the game was her team clinch silver and bronze player Sumitra Nayak truly defi nes being played. I got curious to touch medals at Asian Rugby Champion- it. Nayak recently shot to limelight the dinosaur-egg shaped ball and ship in Indonesia and U-20 Asian when she was selected to represent absolutely loved it," said Sumitra Championship in Laos respectively. India at Asia Rugby Unstoppable who was one of the 10 Indian kids Currently, Sumitra is recuperating campaign. nominated for the International from ligament injury and hopeful Children’s Peace Prize in 2017. of getting back to action very soon. Born in a poor family in Duburi Sumitra started practicing rugby of Jajpur district, Sumitra had a in 2009. Th ough initially she found forgettable childhood. Her father, a it tough to pick up the ropes of the drunkard, would abuse her and her game but under the watchful guid- mother Gayatri, almost everyday. ance of her coach Rudrakesh Jena, Unable to bear the torture infl ict- she mastered the skills in no time. ed on her anymore, her mother decided to move out of the house Aft er practicing the game for a with Sumitra and her siblings to year or so, Sumitra played her fi rst Bhubaneswar. Sumitra was barely tournament at Kalinga Stadium fi ve years old at that time. which she says, was a great learn- ing experience. She then made it On reaching Bhubaneswar, her to the senior team at the age of 14. mother had to run from pillar Despite fracturing her collar bone to post to fi nd a job. Eventually, during one of the matches, she she worked as a domestic help helped her team win the national to provide basic facilities to her rugby tournament held at Kolk- children. It was at her job when one ata. In 2016 while participating day Gayatri found out about the in a national championship in world's largest residential institute Mumbai, she was noticed by the for the Tribals, Kalinga Institute national selectors and asked to join of Social Sciences (KISS) and how the selection camp. She impressed they provided education and other everyone at the camp and found facilities to tribal children free of a place in the Indian rugby team cost there. She enrolled Sumitra at that took part in the U-18 Asian KISS in 2008. Rugby Championship in Dubai. 49 COACH TIMES How we are using our thoughts and feelings is the most important thing. If we do not take care of it, no matter how hard we try, we will not be able to achieve great success in life. And that was the time when I came to know about the concept of Law of attraction. We are all magnets and we attract everything to our life, like good, bad, success, failure everything. Th en I imple- mented it in my life. Th en I set big goals for my life and focused on them. Later, I started achieving one goal aft er the other. Over the next few years, my life was completely AWESOME AJ transformed into something mag- INSPIRING JOURNEY OF ical and joyous. I got more oppor- tunities, my salary doubled, got A LIFE COACH AND MENTOR opportunities to work in diff erent countries. When I worked outside BY : SUBHRA KAR India, I started sharing the things, I had learnt, with my friends and jaya Mish- achieve their goals, fi ght depres- colleagues, aft er that their lives also ra is India’s sion, face their challenges and lead started to be really positive and No.1 Law of a successful life. they started getting success in their Attraction lives. From that time, my friend Tell us about your journey to Coach and started calling me ‘Awesome AJ’ become the Law of Attraction A Success Men- from Ajay. mentor. tor. Popularly known as ‘Awesome I got an opportunity to go to Den- AJ’ among his friends, clientele and I was born and brought up in a mark and settle in Europe for the followers for spreading awesome- lower middle class family in the next 5 to 10 years to work in a big ness in their lives, he is one of the western part of Odisha. During project. But at that time, I wanted most popular Life Coach and Law my childhood days, I had an to do something for the people of Attraction Experts on YouTube intense desire to know why some who are struggling like me and not with 403k+ Subscribers and 28 people are so successful, people getting success in their lives. Million+ Video Views. According are struggling more but very few to him, Law of Attraction is the of us are really prospering in life. So In 2014, I quit my corporate job ability to attract the thing that we Th at is why I read autobiographies and chose a path to become a life want to achieve in our lives. It is of many successful people. And, coach or life changing mentor. At the belief that positive thoughts tried to fi nd out why they were so that time, there were many people bring positive things and negative successful. Aft er completing my around me who did not know what notions bring negative experiences engineering from VSSUT, Burla, I I was passionate about and contin- to a person’s life. Th e belief is based started working at a factory of Jin- ued telling me that I was leaving on the ideas that people and their dal Steel. Aft er 4 years I again real- a golden career and going on the thoughts are produced from “pure ized that people are working really path of uncertainty. However, I energy”, through which a person hard and focusing on their goals refrained from paying attention to can improve his/her health, wealth, but are not able to make their life those things and started my blog personal and professional relation- successful. I really needed to fi nd ‘Awesomeaj.com’. On that, I shared ships. out what the secret of success is. what I had learnt, and how my life Th en, I understood that mindset has changed, how the law of attrac- His expertise has helped mil- and focus are the keys to success. tion works, how to face challenges lions of people across the globe to and lots of diffi culties. 50 51 ESSAY TIMES WHAT IS PRIME TIME? A DEBATE OR HOUSE OF SICKNESS BY : CHANDERVEER SINGH Now if we analysis the 275 debates on Zee News (TAAL THOK KE) from their fi rst debate on Corona on 12th March 2020 to 31st July 2020 then we will fi nd there are three debates on migrant labourers, two debates on UP Crime, attacks on doctors and Bihar & Assam Floods each and one on Kota students. Th is shows the extremely important issues, which need immediate coverage, so that the pathetic plight of vulnerable can be mitigated, are getting very less space in the main stream channels’ debate shows. Th ey did 69 debates anti-opposition, 51 on religious hate, 24 on Tablighi Jamaat, 32 on china, 18 on Pakistan and 15 were pro Modi. (Data used is given by Offi cial Peeing Human Digital portal)

If you recognize the crisis then you will become able to resolve it but without recognition it is next to im- possible. In the context of media industry the question is not of saving journalism but of admitting the crisis. In today’s debate shows, their culture and code of con- duct is missing or prissily seems like lost in the woods. Th e new levels of the unscrupulous, political, chauvin- istic behavior, uncouth language and disguise religious confl ict took the debates to the next level of low and made these debates daily soap. All these unhealthy conducts make TV screen similar to the TV show BIG BOOS. Journalism has failed on the very soul of it because it is not fulfi lling its duty, primarily which is raising the voice of public and presenting the truth of government. Now let us discus the data of the new debates. What So is Indian media selling new lodge of common type of shows are being done by prominent news scorn? "Truly, I do accept that some of the media Channels. Analysis of Amish Devgan’s Hindi news organizations have contributed extraordinarily to the debate on News 18 Called AAR PAAR and Arnab developing narrow mindedness in our nation. Th ese Goswami’s Hindi news debates on Republic Bharat organizations have tried to depict a seventh of India's Called POOCHHTA HAI BHARAT for July 2020 populace – involving Muslims and diff erent minori- refl ects that there Zero debate on Corona, unemploy- ties-as a lower class citizens, which is with regards to ment, health infrastructure, farmers, Environment philosophy of numerous in the incumbent system," and fl oods. So basically media has nothing to do with Parajoy Guha Th akurta, disclosed to Gulf News in an anything that aff ects common man. (Data used is giv- ongoing article. en by Offi cial Peeing Human Digital portal) While the TV business professes to have a purported

52 self-administrative system to screen provocative or exploitative content, there is next to zero proof that these channels are following any rules. "I think a huge part of the Indian media; particularly TV has assumed a noxious job in enhancing extrem- ism towards minority groups. It is disgraceful and mirrors an ethical debasement in a hunger for TRPs," Rajdeep Sardesi, consulting editor, India today news told Gulf news. While numerous twenty to thirty year olds like us and the urban elites have straightforwardly upbraided these news channels and have quit watching these channels, these prime time discusses structure a piece of fundamental Indian family standard. Th e wide reach of media and the capacity to set talk and conversations in open circle is haz- ardous for the very texture of the nation. What conversations will the "Financing". Who is gate keeping the guards? More normal Indian tea stall or regular travelers in Indian critically, who claims the media and fi nance this me- railways have? Th e switch from other signifi cant issues dia? Th e organization driving on proprietorship and of Indian diaspora and little principles of good mor- ad in India are, "subject to the impulses and likes of als beliefs in discusses is a breaking down plight for government offi cials and corporates. In the two situ- the fourth estate. Be that as it may, will the nature of ations, writers are regularly expected to pull punches non-involvement or numbness of these Indian media to keep their lords cheerful," said Karnika kohli in the organization help? Undoubtedly no. We can overlook article of Th e Wire. Until and except if, media isn't it however we basically can't get away from it. As prop- liberated from these weights; we can never accomplish erly stated, "Not all fi ghts are battled for triumph — the moral code and principles for the fourth estate. some are battled to tell the world that somebody was there on the front line." Presently there is a decent and We have seen the ascent of optional media or citizen an ideal opportunity to examine the job of media and journalism in Indian media. An equal free news in- to do it better in coming future. Th e two incorporated dustry on the Internet, drove by singular residents and underlying drivers are TRPs and funding. little associations is obvious. A portion of the depend- able and fair-minded media organization however Regularly the viewer is accused for the entire emergen- littler reach are a case of giving great quality news cy. In any case, isn't the responsibility of news-casting coverage and talking truth to control. to drive on corporate benefi ts or stay autonomous from what the viewer or "greater part of audience" For world’s largest democratic system to thrive the needs to see, and present the realities? Government fourth estate or column needs to mind the other three. offi cials, spokespersons, self-guaranteed community To advise, instruct and edify is the need of hour. For pioneers shouting was rarely new and can't be news the media society in India, there is a need to come out ever. News without realities and discussions without and set out the rules and regulations for media people, resolve are lost, the two essential 'results' of media. Th e houses and plan setters. For this two laws are must Indian media needs a change. Th e decade's end saw be made by government. First law should be on the destruction of Indian news-casting and the beginning separation of advertisement industry from news that of new decade needs to see a change. means news and respective channels or organizations must be freed from the corporate pressure. One of the two signifi cant factors other than TRP is

53 54 55 SPIRITUAL TIMES ''Anand Karo Rejoices Hearts And Souls Amidst The Pain Of Pandemic'' Classical Maestro - PANDIT IMAN DAS

Th e second episode also happens Th e best way to ease your soul is to soothe your ears with an in one of my Europe tours, but this eff ortless and mesmerizing piece of Indian classical music. Th e time in an Afghan-based commu- history of classical Maestro music in India dates back to over nity. Few minutes went by of my 5000 years. However, until today, our homeland is still endowed performance, and I could see that the people started showering mon- with many advocates of this harmonious music to sustain and ey on my harmonium. At fi rst, I transmit its rich legacy to the future generation. was taken aback from their gesture. Interview Times had a great opportunity to converse with one However, later I came to know that of the current maestros of Indian classical music- Pandit Iman it is the way they show their tribute Das. In an exclusive interview, he spoke about the success of his and love to others. Th at night, I dream project Anand Karo (the funds collected from the songs performed for four to fi ve hours are all donated to NGO’s dealing with underprivileged children, and yet they were not leaving me. Such was their aff ection. who are in dire stress in this pandemic) and the release of the second version of the song on a considerably huger scale. Th e last incident happened very recently in Kolkata at Rabindra Sadhan were many legends of hen did you What are the greatest heights you the classical music industry were start getting have accomplished in your musical present such as Pandit Rajan inclined journey so far? Sajan Mishra, Ustad Rashid Khan, towards the Th ere are many!!! Especially the Sondha Mukhopadhyay and many eternal world fi rst tours in Europe and Australia W of Indian are always remarkable. However, classical music? there are three incidences, which My passion for Indian classical mu- shall forever remain close to my sic aroused quite late into my life. heart. When I was around 15 or 16 years Th e fi rst incident happened when I old, the love for classical music, visited Germany. I was of the pre- blossomed into my heart. However, conceived notion that German peo- at that point in time, I have made ple would usually like fast-paced up my mind, that I will follow my songs. However, I was astounded passion as a career throughout my when the local people urged me life. By the age of 17 or 18, I started to perform Vilambhit, and they offi cial shows and tours through- would meditate. I performed for out the country, and since then three hours in front of 1000 people there has been no holding back for and was moved with the response I almost 20 years. received.

56 more. However, it was when I was performing I glanced and saw leg- endary Pandit Swapan Choudhary nodding his head with my tune. Th e best thing that happened was just aft er my performance when he came to the stage and applaud- ed me publically. It was such an honour. When and how did the idea of the project “Anand Karo” come to you? I composed the song, Anand Karo, over a year back. However, it took me a bit of time to release it on a much larger scale. Also, since the start of the pandemic, the world is in so much pain and depression. Th erefore, I thought, it is the best time to release the song, to ease people’s mind amidst the chaos of corona. You had a team of 10 artists for the fi rst Anand Karo song. Were Mrdiula Warrior, Iman Chakra- Th erefore, I decided to make a these artists name already in your varty and another superstar singer much bigger scale for the second mind when you thought about this from Bollywood Aditi Paul was song release of Anand Karo, which project? also all fabulous. includes international artists. To be very honest, in my mind, I I am happy that just aft er the And, of course, aft er the success of had 20 artists with whom I wanted release and success of Anand Karo, the fi rst song, I am pretty much ex- to make the fi rst Anand Karo song. Amazon Prime released Bandish cited for the second song of Anand I addressed, almost all the artist Bandits, which became a huge Karo. success globally. It’s a great time for and was fortunate enough that Will the funds collected from this classical music. Once which was every one of them was quick to say song also go to the NGO’s? a yes, and we got to deliver such a considered as boring is now loved beautiful song. by youth, all over the world. Yes, the purpose of the second song is the same. In fact, one of the main How excited are you for the second What were the reactions of the reason for providing Anand Karo phase of a much bigger version artists when you approached them an international platform is to “Anand Karo”? with this idea? make people aware of the fantastic Again, to be very honest- It was a I was quite overwhelmed with work some of the NGO‘s are doing sort of mixed reactions. However, the success of the fi rst version of in India. Anand Karo. Th e satisfaction was the mixed reaction was due to a How quickly did the internation- not only in terms of the reach certain degree of uncertainty. As al artists accept the proposal to of the song but also for the suc- I said earlier, all the artists almost collaborate? instantly agreed to be a part of cess behind the main motive for Anand Karo. However, for some, organizing the music, i.e. to donate I am fortunate and lucky enough to it was a diff erent genre, like Bol- the funds collected from it to the have a great professional bond with lywood singer Dev Negi. But he NGO’s dealing with underprivi- all my co-artist, whether in India was phenomenal. Not only he, but leged children. People have be- or abroad. Th ereby, when I pitched the others who all participated stowed their hard-earned money the proposal of Anand Karo to and made Anand Karo a triumph, towards the betterment of these the foreign artist, they too quickly including Chadala Bala Kalyan Ji, unfortunate kids. accepted the proposal.

57 GOOD TIMES BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING OF GENDER BARRIERS reaking the voice at local, regional, national, glass ceiling and international levels. It also of gender gives a chance to enhance commu- barriers by nities’ participation for a common choosing to cause, service, and decision-mak- B stand for the ing to keep people moving forward unprivileged ones with sheer cour- in their struggle in diffi cult times age and conviction round the clock like this COVID. although by profession she hails As a teacher, has the teaching from teacher fraternity. During methodologies wholly taken aback COVID she did some Stellar role in as online teachings emerged as an reaching out to the backwards in alternative teaching method? agree with the quote, “If you edu- serving food in her own hands bar- cate a man you educate an indi- ring she had not let down the street Virtual learning off ers an excellent vidual but if you educate a woman animals in the virulent pandemic. substitute for classroom learn- you educate a nation.” India’s half In an exclusive Interview with ing at the time of emergency, but population comprises of women Interview Times in a freewheeling classroom learning remains the only. We can’t think of prospering chat about her appetite for social primary option as a discipline can without education or empowering service and its abundance. be taught through it. It is a better mode of imparting education and its half population means women, What inspired you to become a knowledge. Classroom teaches life so I feel a woman has a more prom- Social Activist? skills; it will always be preferred inent role in building the Nation as Th e sensitivity in me for suff erings over virtual classes as it is a more charity begins at home, a woman or made me active enough to be a effi cient way of learning. Daily in- a mother is the fi rst teacher of any social activist today. Right from teractions with teachers and peers child. If the fi rst teacher is educat- my childhood, ever since I could improve the skills of students. In ed, then she upbrings and nurtures relate to my senses, I always fell for this global health crisis, the virtual her child in a developed and ad- anyone’s suff erings, and pain be it a learning system has proved its mer- vanced way, which means a lot. human being or an animal. Grad- its, but this doesn’t mean we reject What do you say of Women Em- ually, when I grew up to be able traditional classroom pedagogy as powerment in the digital world? enough, I couldn’t stop serving. I it’s more experimental. Education Th e digital world has opened still remember I saved money by is not limited to the syllabus only; opportunities for women globally, not eating outside in my college it also includes disciplines, man- which were unique of its kind. It days to feed the stray cats and dogs ners, morals, and interaction with has strengthened the network of to buy fi sh, bread, and medicine for other students and teachers. Th ese women who has a zeal for prov- them. traits are diffi cult to access through ing their mettle in fi elds that were online teaching. Did COVID reignite the term once upon a time not accessible called civil social activities? Being a woman, do you feel women for women. It has also catered have a bigger role to play in build- Yes, as the term civil social activity women the platform to showcase ing the Nation? plays an important role in our so- their skills in diff erent fi elds and ciety’s development. It gives us op- Yes, long back, the man was con- has given wings to transform their portunities to bring communities sidered as the provider and woman hobby into a passion and trans- together for collective activities, as the nurturer. Now the times forming them from an amateur to articulate demands, and concerned have redefi ned the gender roles. I a professional.

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