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

INSIDE HOW A STEELY ADMINISTRATIVE TRIO PULLED1 OFF AN UNUSUAL RATH YATRA ! 2 EDITORIAL TO FIGHT A PANDEMIC

efore the outbreak of Covid pandemic, no one could imagine how our lives and lifestyles could go for a toss. A few of us have lashed out at the soothsayers and astrologers- even they could not prophesise how swiftly a deadly virus can spread its tentacles and snow- ball into a global phenomenon. Drug scientists who have immersed themselves into painstaking research are yet to come out with a drug that combats Covid. In parallel, the debate still rages on as to whether the virus is natural or manufactured in a conditioned lab. Some evidence has cropped up though of a vaccine to fight the virulent contagion. If we play the blame game, it could spin either way. We can take pot shots at the govern- ment agencies for not doing enough in sampling and testing of suspected Covid cases. In the same vein, we can squarely blame lax people for not putting on defences against virus like wearing masks or rigorously keeping to Bsocial distancing norms. But all said and done, this is an unsolicited pandemic which is now ineluctable. People need to wake up to its scary consequences. Our lifestyles need to be tweaked to check the ramifications of an obdurate virus. I would rather put it this way- our seemingly irrevocable lifestyle has dragged us back in containing the vi- rus. In being minimalists, we can check the contagion from spreading. Any change in rituals or habits is not achieved overnight. It comes on the back of a steely resolve and rigorous dedication. But we need to get attuned to this ‘new normal’ and not allow things to spiral out of control. Wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and sanitising our premises ought to be inextricably linked to our daily ritual. The human species is the outcome of a transitional evolution. Circumstances have shaped our habits and habitats. It’s the sheer adaptability of the human race that has enabled us to survive and thrive in any ambience- from arid deserts to thick tropical rainforests and foothills of snowcapped mountains. Time has its own calling and our system has responded suitably to it. Unfortunately, we have sunk into the Covid trap. But we should not capitulate to it; we have the wherewithal to dismantle it. The boulder of life has to roll on, lets spread hope and cheer in a post Covid world. Happy Reading

Dibyahit Sahoo Group Editor, Interview Times Publications 3 4 CONTENTS

INDIA’S FIRST INTERVIEW BASED MAGAZINE

GROUP EDITOR Combating Dibyajit Sahu PATRON COVID-19 Gobinda Pattanaik Nishikant Mishra Page 17 Chief Executive Officer Dillip Kumar Mohanty EDITORIAL Sub-Editor The Subhojit Panda Resident Editor UPPER Sayak karmakar Correspondents CREST Ishani panda, Dikhya Mohanty Ompriya Sahoo, Itishree Mishra Page 23 Sobhan Garnaik, Somnath Sahu Pratap Swain, Deepak Roul, JP Sahu Sex Public Relation Officer Rajiv Nayan Ratha Design & Layout workers Sushanta Behuria MANAGEMENT live in a Chief Marketing Officer Arun Kumar mahana DISMAY Marketing Manager Page 20 Pramod Kumar Lenka Production Manager Amiya Ranjan Rath Office Assistant saluting Ramesh Chandra Nayak Advisors COVID-19 Tara Ranjan Patnaik Priyadarshi Mishra WARRIOR Mahendra Kumar Gupta Pankaj Mohanty Page 48 Dr. Sabat Kumar Dhal Rudra Nayarayan Samantray Dibyajyoti Pattnaik Think what Legal Advisor Prabir Sahoo you can For Sales and Advtg. Inquiry Mob.: 7978163782, 7735882900 INNOVATE E-mail : [email protected] Page 26 www.interviewtimes.net

5 ADMINISTRATION TIMES Dibyajit Sahu Beating Covid transmission despite population diversification

It was absolutely a pleasant pandemic spread out. Again revelation to learn how a local their alertness in sharing administration in Jharsuguda updates with us has ensured us district was able to collect fines not to get panicked but to work worth more than Rs 25 lakh leaving no stone. On a personal during COVID from the errant note, I have suggested to all commuters not wearing masks my people that this is indeed on roads and spitting in public. a tough time for the district and we pledge not to allow the When contacted, the District turbulent virus to affect our Collector Mr. Saroj Samal spoke innocent citizens. Hence, we about the figures and expressed conformed to all norms of social thanks to the district police distancing and wore masks department and personally to unfailingly with zero tolerance the District Superintendent Saroj Samal for violators. To this date, the of Police- Mr Ashwini for DM, Jharsuguda district administration has been sensitizing the importance ruthless in implementation of of wearing masks as well not the lockdown and unlocking spitting in public which may guidelines. lead to community transmission community transmission in amongst the common commuters Jharsuguda, one of the most “For me, it was like enhancing the of Jharsuguda district, jeopardising culturally diverse districts of official work more close to our their lives. Odisha. As you know Jharsuguda is heart. Today, we are having 117 an industrial belt where hundreds COVID hospitals in operations and Adding to that, the collector of thousands of personnel come to another 100 hospitals are readied informed that 11 lakhs local pursue their livelihoods. Five daily with all infra setup to get active made masks were distributed flights operate on daily basis in once we find the circumstantial in their localities where most the Jharsuguda airport as well two posturing of COVID impact industrial houses had taken the daily trains station at Jharsuguda negatively. More or less as the DM responsibility to offer the SHGs from the most affected COVID of this district, I can proudly say of their peripheral areas to stitch states- Maharashtra and Gujarat that the people of Jharsuguda are masks to get employed. Thereafter, (Ahmedabad). Still, the residents more of the sensible and educated they distributed all the masks of Jharsuguda were affected the ones. As a result, we are having among the citizens with the help least. The rule book of quarantine a marginal number of COVID of the local government. You can is intact whoever the returnees be. affected patients despite the call it achieving dual success at one Also, no one is allowed to walk diversification in population. It was stroke. barefoot in our district else he a bit challenging but encouraging Even the district magistrate faces quarantining or offensive to bolster the COVID warriors distinctly share d the mammoth punishment, Samal said. This from doctors to paramedical staff work done by their administration is possible because of our State in this severe pandemic”, Samal to contain the global pandemic bureaucrats for their forecasting said COVID and not allowing well in advance before the virulent 6 PERSONALITY TIMES Charan Singh The Compassionate "Pandian"

n exemplar of district noted for a high exodus a ‘Karma Yogi’, of labour. A suave yet ruthless Pandian has officer who never shirks his duties, mounted the success Pandian’s reputation has burnished ladder on the rungs ever since he has taken over as of hard work and efficiency. The the 5T secretary. Surprise visits to Awhole of Odisha is eulogising this localities and government-owned officer for his repertoire of selfless, establishments at appallingly short noble deeds. Pandian, an Odisha notices and unearthly hours have cadre officer earned his stripes hooked all officers to their jobs. early in his civil services career And, it has augured well for Odisha while he was the Ganjam collector. and more so for Naveen Patnaik’s image. It was his astounding service record that goaded Chief Minister Over the past six months, this Naveen Patnaik to call him to all-powerful mandarin has kept the corridors of power. What VK Pandian the entire state administration on ensued is history scripted for a 5T Secretary its toes with his visits especially transformative Odisha. While during unearthly hours, rousing there are numerous anecdotes up officers out of their comfort of Ganjam, he pulled all stops to embellish Pandian’s service zone. While some officials have to reach out to the victims and credentials, one incident and the applauded his maverick working showered his solidarity. Not only officer’s response to it stands out style, others nurture a quiet did he perform his banal duties, as a testament to his unwavering resentment but fear profoundly to but he also stood by the kin of the commitment. All hell broke loose let the cat out of the bag. Pandian, deceased in their hour of colossal when Ganjam’s tourists returning the quiet performer is no longer tragedy. Their bereavement found from a fatal accident were in the the closeted officer within the a solacing ally in the guise of an soup. The mishap occurred in four walls of the influential ‘third administrator. So much so that he 2007 when the bus boarded by corridor’ of power. His on-field ensured cremation rituals of the the tourists toppled into a deep performance has disconcerted deceased in Haridwar and flew gorge near Vishnu Prayag on the scores of slothful officers. In back their relatives to Ganjam. banks of Alakananada river in fact, the CM’s most trusted man Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. Hailing from Tamil Nadu, his stint has shown zero tolerance for The tragedy claimed 41 lives, as the Ganjam collector provided corruption, inefficiency and official leaving two with grievous injuries. the perfect launchpad for Pandian malfeasance. Nominally, he may to discharge more gruelling be the 5T secretary but no critical Mr Pandian’s image that most responsibilities ahead. Ganjam initiative rolls ahead without his people know of late after his earned the tag of ‘best performing approbation. Insiders believe the coronation as the 5T secretary is district’ under National Rural plan to set up two exclusive state- that of a ruthless administrator. Employee Guarantee Scheme of-the-art hospitals for treating But that incident amply bears the (NREGS) in 2008. Pandian could Coronavirus patients is Pandian’s humane, compassionate side of pull off the unthinkable feat in a ideation. his persona. As the then collector

7 8 TECHNOLOGY TIMES Charan Singh Bridging the Technology Chasm wenty years ago, he treaded the un- chartered territory to bridge across the chasm of technology. Mr. Ashwini Rath landed softly in Tthe era of industry 4.0. Surmount- ing an array of challenges- the absence of a conducive ecosystem or the lack of social acceptance, he achieved many milestones along the way. Elucidating the needs to cruise through the onslaught of industry 4.0, Rath highlights four important elements compressed as ABCD. A stands for analyt- ics which is the imbued with cross-cultural un- technology at the panchayat level. fulcrum of to- derstanding. D stands for digital. Operating from four different time day’s board- These days, all and sundry are zones, Mr. Rath injected a lot of room in exposed to the digital platform. reforms in his organization Batoi corporations. This means digital skill throws a System, emulating different work To make cru- barrage of opportunities. cultures in the west. cial decisions, Mr. Rath, creating an indelible He is quite besotted with the struc- mark in the world of technology tural approach of the west coupled through his organization Batoi with professionalism. Triggering System, lays emphasis on less- his creative mind, Mr. Rath ap- ening the cost of the software. proaches problems a nd challeng- es through the prism of times. He along with his team has Hebelieves the problem exists in been working hard to create the future only. So keeping the an ecosystem to facilitate future and the challenges it throws the use of the software by in mind we should be inquisitive to cor- the clients rather than explore solutions. po- owning it. He strongly rates need to churn data. B stands believes if technology The present generation is flirting for business which is the area marries development, with the future through IoT (In- where everyone is exploring. growth is inevitable and ternet of Things), Artificial intelli- to expedite the process, we gence and BlockChain. The prog- C stands for communication. As ress of society depends on the globe is shrinking in terms must their success in this realm. of technology one must equip Mr. Ashwini Rath focus on with impeccable communication CEO, BATOI SYSTEMS PVT. LTD. 9 READERS TIMES UNLEARNING HETERONORMATIVITY by Ishani Panda was passing by a street one evening when I These norms have been built for, and by a particular saw a bunch of teenagers requesting a fellow group of people who have held the umbrella of teenager to mimic a ‘Chhakka’ (eunuch). He their “ideal normalcy” and have snatched away walked up and down the street by swaying fundamental survival rights of those, they consider his waist, went to another boy, and made a abnormal and keep it in their Pandora box of sound of clapping on his face by spreading privileges. The society has already decided what a the fingers of both the palms and shouted: “Ae person should be called according to the sex one IChikne,” to which all of them burst out laughing.It is born with, what gender one should follow. After was devastating to see the younger generation of the country, making fun of the community, which uses clapping and varying lingo to draw others’ attention to their existence.Not only children, but even adults also resort to bullying and mocking those whom they see as inclined to effeminacy. It is astounding to learn how we, as a society, have ignored the existence of marginalized communities because they do not follow the conventional gender norms. The fictional made up conventions of the society have carved a pathway for the bourgeois mentality, which rejoices in privileges but suppresses and rejects anything which questions its logic. A Ferris wheel of lies is being fed by normalizing heterosexuality for centuries and any other form of sexual orientation, which defies it should be considered for a trip to the mental asylum. The American philosopher and gender theorist Judith Butler has shown that gender is not concrete; rather, its existence lies in fluidity and its performativity. In simple terms, it can be said that our gender is based on what we feel from inside, how we behave and want to act in the society, in which section do we relate ourselves mostly to. For example, a man who will be described as a male according to the conventional binary standards of gender (male being put under the label of gender, society decides and female) might not feel masculine from within. what manners one should follow to fit into that He might want to dress up as a woman, behave like gender. Anything that deviates from the normalized a woman, and feel feminine from within without behaviour which the society has inculcated within the changing sex. Therefore attributing an identity to an minds of humans since the old times is considered individual based just on his sex and gender proves our abnormal. flawed mindset. We have been so blind in following the code of It forcefully limits a vast range of features and conduct that we have forgotten to ask that if what is characteristics present in a person to fewer deemed to be healthy is normal or it is just centuries of terminology. No matter how mind-boggling it seems, blatant lies which have been shoved down our throat identity is a social construction. A person recognizes and hammered into our brain which has made us himself according to the norms of society.

10 READERS TIMES believe in this ideology. We live in a country which constructions doesn’t create a monster. The people has given us freedom of expression, yet people are who are considered abnormal and are looked down brutally tortured for the appearance of their own are just as normal like everyone else. The government identity, which is not driven by this society. It is laid the foundation stone of freedom for the LGBTQ reported that homosexuality was stopped considering community by scrapping the article of 377, but as a mental illness during the 1970s, but when we dig in order to create an empire of respect, love, and up the reality hiding under the facade of the progress. acceptance, a joint humanitarian effort is required. We can find a mass mentality filled with hatred, Many people from the LGBTQ community suffer fear, and anger towards the LGBTQ community. tremendously despite having immense talent and Disturbingly, it looks like the discredited concept of creativity at the hands of cisgenders who try to bully conversion therapy is still being practised. Claiming them or even refuse to give them jobs. It is still a to “cure” queerness can involve everything from shock Herculean task to adopt a child. Under the country’s treatment to exorcism and hormones to a psychotropic family laws, only marriage is the “only legitimate form drug. The ‘patients’ are taken to psychiatric wards in of expressing emotional and financial dependency”. Hence, rights surrounding the institution, such as the right to adoption, are closed off to same-sex couples. Education becomes a luxury if a person “comes out” due to the myths pertaining to the environment that will ruin other children’s mentality. The internet has become a basic necessity in every household in today’s scenario, and with it comes its own boon and bane. While many people have gathered strength and come out openly to share their experiences, feelings, and emotions as a community of LGBTQ, there are still many people who use their privileges and capitalism to demean the community’s existence to a laughing stock. How difficult is it to understand that they are normal humans, and everyone should be accepted the way they are? I believe this acceptance should come through our education system. The universities have opened up LGBT academic branches for the students to know more about gender and sexuality whereas it is absolutely vital that these studies should be included from school levels, open and compulsory for each and every child to know how various communities in a society co-exist together so that he learns to accept and respect them since childhood. We as a society hospitals or de-addiction centres with falsified files. should be flexible enough to accept changes which are The families still believe that homosexuality does not vital for the progress of society so that we can educate exist at all. Therefore many families work as catalysts our younger generations to be tolerant and loving in destroying the entire being of their children towards everyone equally. by sending them for conversion therapies. These Giving the right to education, adoption, surrogacy, conversion therapies prove instrumental in irreparably employment, and contesting elections and forming damaging the mental health of homosexuals, which political parties are vital for the survival of the push them to a lifetime of darkness through panic LGBTQ community in India. Ostracizing the attacks, depression, PTSD, and some even commit bourgeoisie among people and giving them equality suicide sooner or later. It is essential to understand will help create a better nation that can be proudly that disagreement with a certain thought process, painted with rainbow colours ideology, sexual orientation, opinion, and social

11 EDUCATION TIMES Sobhan Garnaik No substitute for Classroom Coaching System How are you coping up with the is now the student’s need. COVID-19 ? How badly has the For that purpose only, we pandemic affected ? waited for two months. To figure out how the quality All the coaching industries have of education will be better collapsed by at least 80 percent. through the Internet. So, Students, as well as parents, are we have the studio, and worried about the future, so we are our technical team is just hoping that all the institutions working hard regarding and colleges within the state and that so that we can country will open as soon as maintain quality teaching possible. There are no words to through the Internet also. express my sadness, and as it was When it starts in the first an unprecedented situation, so we week of July, it will be were not prepared for it. However, confirmed how successful we are making accordingly, and we we are. will adjust to the situation. If the mindset is proper with both the How will students from students and the teachers, then the underprivileged back- education sector, will start as soon grounds attend online as possible. classes? As spikes of COVID Exams might Of course, they will face get postponed or delayed this year, Mr. Manoj Singh problems, and only 30 to so what’s your view on it? Chairman, INEET 40% can connect to the online class into that area; Both education and health are college education . The healthy and there are no such facilities essential for us, but now given disciplined life of a student is at for broadband. But we have plans the situation which is so risky stake too. Soon, we are going to be for these shortcomings too. We are and worrisome, education and the next level of education. You will going to start lessons in the local health going hand in hand are a hear the good news. area, which is district headquarters bit difficult. I think health is first of every district of INEET’s. So, then education because if the Do you think online classes will we’re going to take up the coaching mind and the body are healthy, take over the traditional form of running in the district center of studies can be done. So when the teaching? Odisha. We’re going to tie up with situation is favorable according No, the classroom education them. That we can provide quality to rules and regulations of the system is unparalleled and coaching education for those Odisha government as well as the unbeatable; there is no substitute students who are not able to come Government of India, then we will for the classroom coaching to Bhubaneswar, so, we are very be ready to start with the studies. system. However, we miss the much conscious about that which Being the chairman, what are your healthy interactions between the we have to join the hands with such future plans for INEET? students and the teacherbut we are types of organization, which are still delighted to start the online giving the coaching for the need at INEET is going to celebrate 10 coaching classes. years of success, So we have plans, the district headquarters so that we but right now, we are worried INEET will start online classes can get a quality education for such about the students as well as a from the first week of July since it kind of students 12 CSR TIMES Arun Kumar Mahana The Samaritan in a Grave Crisis

ankaj Lochan Mohan- ty, President of Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) and Chairman of PMGM Minerals Ltd has generously donated Rs one crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) to help combat the deadly Coronavi- rus. Mohanty responded to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s call to contribute voluntarily to CMRF for fighting a global pandemic. The OCA president is known for his alacrity to respond to incidents of deep crisis. Mohanty’s munifi- cent gesture follows ace industrial- ist Tara Patnaik who was the first business magnate to donate Rs one crore to CMRF.

The state government needs more Mr. Pankaj Lochan Mohanty of wilful contributors of Patnaik’s and Mohanty’s ilk to doggedly fight President, OCA a lethal virus. In parallel, Mohanty tan in a Grave Crisis) knows the has also set up renewable energy has been making incessant efforts workings of the cricket body inside projects like Solar Power Plant to make sure the Barabati stadium out. He is the perfect foil to vested in the state of Odisha and Wind regains its cult status in interna- interests within the guild. Slowly, Energy Projects in different states tional cricket. but surely, he is ushering in a new of India. dawn for Odisha cricket. Mining baron Pankaj Lochan The MGM Group founded by Late Mohanty, one of the key direc- His conglomerate MGM Group as M G Mohanty started with owner- tors spearheading the diversified setting up an integrated steel plant ship and development of its mines business conglomerate MGM in Dhenkanal district having a in the 1940s. Over the years MGM Group, has scripted the makeover capacity of 0.25 million tonnes per has been developing and operat- for Odisha cricket ever since his annum. The Plant has already gone ing their own Iron & Manganese coronation as the President of into commercial production and Mines in the mineral-rich district Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) subsequent phases of the plant are of Sundergarh in the Odisha. last year. Hailing from Boudh in the project stage. district, Mohantyhad vanquished In keeping with its commitments his nearest competitor, the associa- In keeping with its commitment to an eco-friendly and responsible tion’s incumbent treasurer Pradeep to an eco-friendly and responsible investment, MGM Group has also Chouhan by a margin of six votes. investment, MGM Group has also made a foray into projects in the made a foray into projects in the domains of hi-tech horticulture, Mohanty was swift in wresting domains of hi-tech horticulture agri-processing and renewable the initiative and turning things and complete agricultural solutions energy generation in different dis- around. Mohanty (The Samari- in the state of Odisha.MGM Group tricts of the state

13 14 15 POLITICAL TIMES Charan Singh From ivory towers to Temple of Democracy

eated in his office, letting awareness campaign. So much so his locks of hair down, little that in the 2019 elections, the BJD could Dr. Sujeet Kumar- could topple the Modi tsunami and realize that a buzz on his emerge as the single largest party Sphone could script the transfor- in Odisha, thanks to the robust mation in his life. Moments of campaign mechanism spearheaded conversation on the phone proved by Dr. Kumar. Branding himself a to be immensely gratifying for political entrepreneur, Dr. Kumar Kumar, professionally. Once the is highly indebted to the BJD. He disillusioned corporate honcho in believes, working with the stal- the USA, Sujeet Kumarhas now warts of the BJD and some excep- earned the passport to the temple tional bureaucrats in the policy- of Indian democracy. He is one of making circle gave a very enriching the four candidates handpicked by experience. BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik for Taking the mantle on his shoulder, Expressing his elation at the recent the Rajya Sabha berths. Dr. Kumar, with his colleagues development of his Rajya Sabha If you yearn for something earnest- launched multi-pronged strategies nomination, Dr. Kumar acknowl- ly, the whole constellation con- at different levels. edges the significant role played by spires to get it achieved for you. The Naveen Pattnaik in his nomination. In fact, Dr. Kumar, pioneering adage could not be truer for Dr. He also reckons, Mr. Pattnaik is the IT-based branding of the BJD, Kumar. Hailing from Kalahandi, not only intelligent and hardwork- made sure that the seismic shift one of Odisha’s most economically ing but also doting and caring. was palpable on the ground. The impaired districts streaming into Indeed, Mr. Pattnaik fosters all his campaign nudged Dr. Kumar to newsrooms for gnawing poverty colleagues and rewards them based spend quality time with people and starvation deaths, Kumar’s on their performance. Sharing his from 65 constituencies, largely career has taken a giant leap. secret to success on the political from the western and southern front, Dr. Sujeet Kumar reveals that And, it has been made possible by districts of Odisha. In that process, working with the World Economic the dint of sheer hard work and not only did he understand the Forum (WEF) in Geneva and his his affable manners. Although it pulse of the people but also got the stint with the U.S foreign ministry has been a roller coaster journey hang of some process impurities think tank in Hawai played a vital since 2012 when he was introduced inducing people not being able to role in sharpening the thought pro- to the Chief Minister of Odisha identify the brand symbol of the cess while making a decision. Naveen Pattnaik, Kumar has given BJD “Conch”. many breakthroughs to the BJD. Despite achieving a lot for himself Deploying the time-honored and for the BJD, Dr. Kumar shows The BJD got a big jolt in 2017 when management principle, imbibed exemplary modesty by giving the the rival BJP breathed down the from The Oxford University and credit to the good work done by neck of the ruling party in the The Harvard Business School as a the BJD government over the years. panchayat elections. It was a big management student into practice, Branding schemes and projects wakeup call for the redoubtable Dr. Kumar consolidated the BJD’s and making that sound appeal to political grouping. Then, came the vote share in different districts of people is the fulcrum of a state emergence of the master strategist. Odisha through his multi-level government’s popularity

16 POLICING TIMES Dibyajit Sahu Combating Covid-19 with clockwork precision

n adorable supercop Amitabh Thakur has been overseeing the control room set up Ato monitor issues relating to the implementation of the lockdown announced to tackle Covid-19 pandemic. The control room helmed by Thak- ur, IGP (Operations) has delivered exemplary outcomes to address issues of Odias, especially migrant workers marooned elsewhere in the country. The control room has been operating ceaselessly since March 26 under the auspices of the Mr. Amitabh Thakurwill look the matter relating to COVID-19 state home department. in addition to his duties. Prior to his appointment as the special Lately, an empowered group of secretary (Home Dept.) he would be supervising a 24x7 control ministers on food & logistics, room that was opened to monitor the issues regarding enforce- Government of India rained praise ment of lockdown to contain spread of COVID-19 in the state . on a helpline portal started by the Odisha government to address the workers stranded in other parts of Odisha is the first state in the concerns of lakhs of Odia migrant the country. country to work out an efficient workers stranded outside the state. system of conveying hardships of Nodal officers comprising of senior The state government has set up Odia migrant labour and channel- officials from Odisha have been a benchmark when it comes to ling relief to lakhs of them through coordinating with other state gov- containing Covid-19 and also, in the respective state government ernments to make food available to inter-state coordination with a machinery, in different parts of the migrants trapped in their respec- well-calibrated strategy to help country. Odisha was the first state tive states. Taking into account Odia migrant workers, stranded to conceptualise this novel initia- a large number of Odia diaspora in different parts of the country. tive as it could anticipate the dis- throughout the country, the state Many of the migrant workers are tress of hordes of migrant workers. government came up with a help- employed as skilled and semi- Though initially beset with chal- line and a web portal to help the skilled workers in different states, lenges, streamlining of adminis- migrant Odia workers in distress, the largest concentration being in tration and foolproof coordination due to lockdown, in different states Gujarat. smoothened its implementation. to register their issues which are In order to facilitate the redres- then relayed by the nodal officers, The state is lucky amid this colossal sal of issues of migrant labourers who are senior IAS, IPS officers of crisis to avail the services of Mr from Odisha stranded in different Odisha government, to the appro- Thakur. We need more officers of states, Odisha government has set priate authorities in different states his ilk. May their tribe grow! More up a 30-line help centre for Odia for necessary action. power and strength to him!

17 18 ENTERPRENEUR TIMES TIT BUREAU The Selfless Edupreneur

Dr. Manoj Ranjan Nayak Founder - SOA Group of Institutions

low-key nonethe- beginnings. An alumnus of NIT, tions unlike some of his more pub- less an immensely Rourkela, who graduated with licity mongering peers do. Nayak, successful educa- BTech degree in electrical engi- however, has smartly dissociated tional entrepreneur, neering in 1982, Dr. Nayak started himself from the board of manage- Dr. Manoj Ranjan his career as a faculty with the ment of the university preferring to Nayak, founder of the SoA Group College of Engineering & Technol- work behind the scene. The official Aof Institutions grabbed spotlight ogy (CET), Bhubaneswar. He later website of the Siksha O Anusand- recently. The SUM Hospital owned earned a PHD in computer science han University does not even by Nayak entered into a tripartite from IIT, Kharagpur. A student is mention Nayak’s name. agreement with the Odisha health known for his rapier wit, Dr. Nayak Dr. Nayak started the SUM Hos- & family welfare department and always had the flair for academics pital in 2006 on the outskirts of Coal India Ltd (CIL) subsidiary and research. But he nurtured big- Bhubaneswar and a few years later Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) for ger ambitions- to serve people with founded a medical and dental setting up a 500-bedded hospi- his noble entrepreneurial spirits. college. Until recently, the hospital tal to exclusively treat victims of While he was still an academic provided consultation and beds to Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Nayak has professor at CET. Dr. Nayak floated patients free of cost. He even sent exuded his large-heartedness yet the Siksha O Anusandhan Trust vehicles to nearby villages to ferry again by rallying around for a hu- and also founded the Institute of patients to the hospital. It is now mane cause. Hismagnanimous step Technical Education & Research one of the prominent hospitals in will etch his name in the annals of (ITER). the city with a huge footfall. Like history. Now, he is it, chief trustee. The other Odia entrepreneurs who Known to be a reclusive man with trust manages and runs 10 educa- started media houses for saving robust political connections espe- tional institutions and two state-of- their backs in times of distress, cially his liaisons with the who’s the-art super speciality hospitals. Nayak too owns television chan- who of the incumbent BJD, Dr. However, Nayak does not meddle nel News 7 and Odia newspaper Nayak built a sprawling education- in the affairs of the management. Prameya that made quite a splash al ecosystem that conflated quality Nor does he foist his thoughts on and put him in the powerful league and affordability. He had humble the running of the multiple institu- of media barons in the state. 19 LIVELIHOOD TIMES Yogita Malhotra Sex workers live in a dismay

hile the mend their ways through digital coronavirus earnings, some cannot have access pandemic has to it due to a lack of knowledge and upended the resources. world, the sex They have been receiving food workers have been plunging into with the help of donations since Wthe dark abyss of joblessness. The no government schemes have been fear of the deadly virus has pushed made to ameliorate their living their customers away, leading them conditions during the hard times. towards the edge of starvation. Moreover, virtual sex can be one As sources reported, Kusum, the of the ways through which they president of the All India Network can be sustained for some time, of Sex Workers (AINSW) – a group but it cannot be neglected that of sex workers that assists others make their both ends meet. But the privacy concerns are equally with legal rights, health issues and in some other states like Mumbai, on a stake. Therefore, there seems social security across the country, migrant sex workers have unable a crucial need for government said over 60% of the sex workers to go back to their own homes due assistance to the community of in Delhi have already left for their to the prolonged lockdown and sex workers, who have always been homes. Dismally, they have lost deteriorating condition. Though either dehumanized or denigrated their livelihood, not only Delhi some of them have been trying to by society. sex workers, struggling fiercely to

20 21 22 Falcon RealADMINISTRATION Estate: TIMES The Upper Crest

by - Dibyajit Sahu Patnaik (Falcon Marines Ltd). Even COVID outbreaks have not When contacted its Managing stopped few selective customers Director, Mr. Parth responded from paying visit to site of the in a polite way that he doesn’t ongoing projects “Falcon CREST” do any self branding or promo- from the Falcon Real Estate Pvt tions of Falcon Real Estate in Ltd. Falcon Real Estate Pvt Ltd swag. He strongly pitched for Brand which has earned a reputa- quality of works with innova- tion of trust and Goodwill amongst tion from advanced technolo- the customers after giving relent- gies to creative designs which less services for decades. Without will speak for the properties. the publicity blitzkrieg billboards and front page advertisements, “Our new customers primarily it has managed to emerge in the get reference from our existing league of an undisputed brand and satisfied customers. Hence of property developers customer’s satisfaction is the across the nation. hallmark of Falcon Real Estate From expansive greens, Pvt Ltd. We have customised manicured walkways & it very professionally with all naturally lit surround- sincerity since our inception”. ings to architecture designed for unre- stricted ventilation, ow many of you re- Falcon CREST a ally rely on property class apart. Each of developers in Odisha the 201 apartments considering its past here has the best Hinfamous chit fund scam as well fittings, fixtures and their unprofessionalism in dealing finishes inclusive of with the buyers? The unambiguous Italian marbles. It response could be the blunt no offers several ame- not just from many of us but from nities like Tennis customers of all hues and stripes. Court, Basket Ball Therefore, the raging question is Court. It has a con- that can we ever bank on them? temporary clubhouse called Club CABANA In hindsight after witnessing the which houses a roof- feedback of the buyers who have top swimming pool, been so inspiring in dealing with gym & fitness centre, one particular realtor in Odisha indoor game rooms, which is led by the most cerebral multi-purpose banquet young business lad- Mr. Parthajeet hall. The lush landscaped Patnaik (Ripple) popularly known gardens add to the beauty and as the proud son of the Marine will soothe the senses business tycoon Mr Tara Ranjan

23 OPINION TIMES

PRIVILEGES FOR STAR-KIDS TURN ROADBLOCKS FOR OUTSIDERS

by - Sayak Karmakar

he tables are never even in Bolly- hit at the box-office. Sushant’s demise opened up the wood. The tragic end to the journey age-long debate persisting in the Bollywood world. of ever-smiling and cheerful Sushant Are star kids more privileged? Will outsiders ever have Singh Rajput halted the life of mil- a chance to showcase their talent among the pool of lions of Bollywood lovers. It was also infinite star kids? Will there ever be a fair play in pro- a significant setback for thousands viding opportunities to all actors, irrespective of their of outsiders who dream of achiev- family backgrounds? ing big in the showbiz arena. The following days, The truth is that the tables will never be even for all in after the tragic demise of our beloved Sushant Singh the world of Bollywood. For star kids, auditioning for TRajput, various articles from major publication houses a role is a challenge; for outsiders- getting a chance to and video clips of popular chat shows revealed how go to the audition centre is also a matter of luck and “NOT-SO FAVORITE” the star was in the kingdom of sheer hard work. Star kids are groomed and prepared nepotism and favouritism. The various big production from their early teens to sustain their hereditary fami- houses and their favourite star-kids were so envious ly business. Their lifestyle and lifecycle revolve around of Rajput’s rare talent that the star lost many films in all major directors, producers, actors, designers, and the last few months, despite his last flick being a super 24 OPINION TIMES

fixated around glamour. So, while star kids coming for auditioning in an Audi gets all the attention, outsiders arriving at the audition in shared auto-rickshaw and sweat patches all-around their clothes, are often in the limelight of ignorance. In one of her interviews, Kangana Ranaut ridiculed the fact that actors are rejected for their roles because they can’t speak English or have sweat patches in their clothes. The fact is a universal truth run- ning in the life of cinema. We see mediocre actors launched by Dharma Productions, and through all PR activities, these below-average actors become stars overnight. Whereas, one of the finest actors, currently in the Hindi Cinema industry, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, had to struggle for 15 years to get a lead role. This debate will never be over with- out addressing media houses. The various media houses are also responsible for this uneven table. The superstars of Bollywood pay mil- lions on PR activities and media houses to make their kids into the limelight, years before they plan to make their filmy debut. These stars are spoon-fed into Bol- lywood lovers’ brains, which helps these children acquire star status far before their actual debut picture. So, the tables are never even for the star kids and the outsiders. media houses. They know the Bollywood entity’s crux While the former gets all the privileges, and thereby are always a step ahead when it comes the latter works hard and waits for one ray of silver to auditioning for a role. For an outsider, acting is all lining to provide justice to their talent. Here, the role about theatre, drama, and school (which matters the of self-made superstars becomes vital. Actors like Shah most). They are unaware of the glamour quotient, and Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Anush- the starry attitude, which is required to please the eyes ka Sharma, Deepika Padukone, and many more have of the directors and producers. shown the Nepo-kingdom that talent also survives and thrives in the entertainment world. In a Rajeev Masand round table conference with newcomer actors, Jim Sarbh just bamboozled Harsha- However, these stars should take the responsibility vardhan Kapoor when the latter, being a star kid, was to provide more platforms to the outsiders through defending on the nepotism debate. Jim was straight their production houses. After all, we could never have forward in telling the fact that the star kids get audi- witnessed the sheer talent that Ayushmann Khurrana tioned for lead roles, while the outsiders have to wait possessed if Vicky Donor under John Abraham’s pro- for years to be cast as the brother of the hero. Bolly- duction house couldn’t have happened. wood production houses and prominent directors are

25 SUCCESS TIMES Sobhan Garnaik THINK WHAT YOU CAN INNOVATE IN YOUR FIELD

RAPID FIRE with REKHA CHINNARY MD, KANAK MAHALAXMI JEWELLERY

#ULTIMATE AIM ! #VOCALFORLOCAL My only dream while growing up was to Local for Vocal will revolutionize Indian generate employment and be helpful for the domestic products. Our only motto is nation and the society. I think this is the best #Atmanirvar Bharat, and COVID-19 has platform where I can generate maximum helped us to ponder over thoughts we had employment for other people. So, that’s why in in ur mind to execute our plans while going Mahalaxmi Jewellers, we give a lot of scope to forward. the local artisans.

#ZEVR… #FEMINISM FOR YOU #TIPS FOR ENTREPRENEURS Feminism does not mean It is the online jewellery I must say, patience and being vocal about every portal of our own Kanak resilience are the most vital random thing for the Mahalaxmi Jewellers. qualities to possess amidst namesake of supporting girls. ZEVR collection focuses on this uupandemic. If your Feminism means raising showcasing the indigenous traditional business is not voice against the patriarchy, craftsmanship from different doing good, then be patient which has been existing in locations of India and abroad. because everybody’s sailing our society since ages. Moral Starting with silver, diamond in the same boat, so please values & equality should be and platinum jewellery, be resilient. Don’t jump into inculcated from the ground ZEVR will slowly be any new businesses which level, i.e. the family should expanding to handicrafts and are coming your way. Yes, teach their children to respect much more. so that people everybody has borne the brunt. ladies since childhood. I understand what our local Try to think about what you am blessed to have such an artisans can be handy. can innovate in your field. amazing family itself.

26 ADMINISTRATION TIMES Charan Singh Deep Dive, Repercussions and Recipe to tackle Coronavirus

aving embarked on a Realising the gravity of the journey in the field of situation in the aftermath of the accounting, Mr Rajeeb Coronavirus crisis, Mr Sahoo Sahoo(Deep Dive, spells out some colossal con- HRepercussions and Recipe to tackle straints the finance minister Coronavirus) has carved out a encounters. niche for himself. Despite having a The challenges are:– penchant for commerce economics and accounting, Mr Sahoo went A. Income tax and GST col- on to partake in the Cooch Behar lection will suffer. Trophy, representing Odisha for B. The budget size will come two consecutive years. down. This speaks volumes about his C. The transfer of funds to all-round dexterity. After doing his states will also come down. graduation from Ravenshaw Col- CA. Rajib Sekhar Sahoo lege and CA articles from Pricewa- Principal Partner, SRB & Associates D. Collection of mining royalty terhouseCoopers (PwC), he(Deep & excise will come down reforms like demonetisation and Dive, Repercussions and Recipe E. Demands of money will go up. to tackle Coronavirus) flourished GST were faced by major stum- F. The worst-hit industries will be professionally by occupying many bling blocks of the system not Agro-processing, animal hus- coveted posts at the topmost being geared up and people taking bandry and many MSMEs. echelon like the board member advantage of the loopholes. of Andhra Bank, Fee structure As a result of which these reforms Recommended steps:– committee appointed by Govern- could not yield a hundred per cent A. Operating in modest inflation ment of Odisha in 2011, Bank of results although the intention was Government of India should Baroda, member of Shri Jagannath pure. He(Deep Dive, Repercussions resort to additional borrowing. committee, NTPC, Hindustan Zinc and Recipe to tackle Coronavirus) Limited over the years. reckons that the unorganized sec- B. GOI must focus on fiscal consol- idation. Mr.Sahoo(Deep Dive, Repercus- tor was badly affected by demone- sions and Recipe to tackle Coro- tisation. C. Along with MSME, industries navirus), aspiring to be an inde- As far as the tax regime is con- such as animal husbandry and pendent professional as he didn’t cerned, he recommends the agro-processing must be given want to work as an employee, took government be proactive in sim- ample amount of support. the challenging path of Charted plifying GST. According to Mr D. Large industries must be given Accountancy (CA) after passing Sahoo(Deep Dive, Repercussions the package to tide over the out from DM School. and Recipe to tackle Coronavirus), menace. Having felt the pulse of Indian the slowing of the Indian economy is also a function of global events E. All agencies must work with an economy and reforms, Mr Sa- integrated package. hoo(Deep Dive, Repercussions such as America-China trade war, and Recipe to tackle Coronavirus) America -Iran dispute, India -Paki- F. Microscopic analysis of the throws light on how the big bang stan conflicts et al. economy is the need of the hour.

27 28 INDUSTRY TIMES TIT BUREAU DOWN TO EARTH

The COVID-19 pandemic is are committed to the value of the countries, it is pertinent to remem- showing no signs of slowing down. mining industry. We’re trying to ber that facilitating uninterrupted Industry experts are of the opinion do our bit to keep the state econo- operations of mining activities that we are heading towards a glob- my and industry going,” he said. is the key to rescue the economy al downturn. The mining industry out of coronavirus cobwebs. Mr. Mr. Patnaik, who carries four has also been caught up in the Patnaik feels mining companies, decades of experience under his turmoil. Several mining companies miners and the government have belt is not new to economic melt- have been affected by Covid-19 to sincerely work in tandem and downs in the industry. But he and outbreaks, prior to that restrictions discuss the possible impacts and his team have always handled the to encourage social distancing have strategies regarding global pan- situation deftly and kept the things meant some mining projects have demic affecting the industry. going. “Mining industry down- either slowed or shuttered. None- “These are truly opportune times. turns are usually due to a decrease theless, some mining companies The Mining industry needs to be in demand Globally. When eco- are putting on brave faces and creative throughout about how well nomic growth slows down, the ensuring that they are contributing and early to equip a new future general industrial activities decline. to keep the economy afloat. Mining that can offer sustainable growth in This coronavirus crisis is different. baron Mr. D.R. Patnaik and his the 21st century,” he said. Yes, demand for mined products Company have set an example in is falling as economic activity has Mr. Patnaik is someone who the industry by keeping themselves slowed down, but for the first time understands the nitty gritty of the employed and productivity during falling demand is accompanied by Mining Industries since decades, these testing times although it’s a significant supply-side upheaval. his deftness in handling crisis has tough phase in the history of the The key is to understand how the also incurred huge plus to his own mining industry. pandemic will require the mining Industry (D.R.Patnaik) which “Mining operations are no longer industry to change due to disrup- shows his opines stand bang as al- an easy ride after the viral out- tions and the emerging demands ways.On top of that, his simplicity breaks, thereby leading to heavy happening around it,” he believes.. in leading personal life earns huge economic slowdown. The decision respect and regards amongst civil Since the mining industry con- to keep our mining operations run- societies. He is more than of an tinues to remain as a major con- ning was definitely tough. But we industrial of Down to Earth tributor to the economy in many

29 The voices are loud and significant It was a privilege for The Interview in recent times- “let’s go Vocal for Times, to have an exclusive inter- Local.” However, there is a humble view with the soft-spoken gentle- and down-to-earth person who man and talk about the journey of mastered the art of familiarizing Ruchi in these 45 years. Dr. Sahoo local spice products throughout also spoke about his childhood and the globe, many decades back. The gave some priceless guidance from journey of this reputed person, in his years of wisdom to the youths the field of entrepreneurship, start- who aspire to become an entrepre- ed 45 years ago. The course of the neur. journey was headed with enormous Dr. Sarat Sahoo was born in Rani- ups and downs- but this man never hat Cuttack, which at that point in time, was just like a let his head down. The result is what we see today- Ru- small village. There was no modern infrastructure and chi (Om Oils and Flour Mills Pvt Ltd.) is one of the well-equipped vehicles in that part of Cuttack city, as rare Odia brands which has worldwide recognition. we witness it today. He had a typical childhood, which Yes, we are talking about the self-made entrepreneur the majority of the middle Indians had, at that point of Odisha- Dr. Sarat Kumar Sahoo. 30 COVER STORY

in time. Mornings were spent badminton, and Kabbadi. So in school by delivering all much so, that he was made the doses of naughty deeds; the captain of every sport in the evenings were dedicated inter-college tournaments. to his father’s small hotel. He represented Odisha as The only person, the tiny captain in Kabaddi tour- mischievous Sarat Sahoo, naments. However, there would fear was his primary were no special coaches who school teacher. “My friends trained him. It was immense and I use to change direc- dedication and passion for tion whenever we saw our sports, which led him to teacher in front of us. Such emerge as a successful player. was his fear.” Dr. Sahoo had Sarat Sahoo was born to be no interest in studies during a leader. Tragedies lead to his primary school days. successful events. The same It was during the time he formula applies to the life of was studying in secondary Dr. Sahoo. While working school, he got attracted to in his father’s hotel during Science. His attraction soon his higher secondary educa- blossomed into a romantic tion days, one government SELF-MADE ENTREPRENEUR

relationship with the subject, notice, shattered their life- and he scored 54 marks in their hotel had to be broken Science in class 10 examina- down to increase the areas tion. (Those times, getting a for roadways in the city. That second division was as tough point of time, Dr. Sahoo went as getting 90 marks today). to Kolkata to pursue a course However, his weakness in on entrepreneurship. maths forced him to take “At that point in time, we The voices are loud and significant It was a privilege for The Interview Arts in higher secondary did not know what the in recent times- “let’s go Vocal for Times, to have an exclusive inter- education. However, this did term entrepreneur means. I Local.” However, there is a humble view with the soft-spoken gentle- not stop him from research- wanted to be in business, just and down-to-earth person who man and talk about the journey of ing and learning about the like my father. I got lots of mastered the art of familiarizing Ruchi in these 45 years. Dr. Sahoo subject more. This shows, job opportunities while I was local spice products throughout also spoke about his childhood and from the earlier days of representing my country in the globe, many decades back. The gave some priceless guidance from his life, he was a man who kabaddi. However, I was not journey of this reputed person, in his years of wisdom to the youths would never say a no in any interested in that as I wanted the field of entrepreneurship, start- who aspire to become an entrepre- problematic situation. He to follow my father’s foot- ed 45 years ago. The course of the neur. would find out a solution to steps and become a business- journey was headed with enormous the problem and excel in the Dr. Sarat Sahoo was born in Rani- man. I wanted to be self-de- ups and downs- but this man never field. Sarat Sahoo was also hat Cuttack, which at that point in time, was just like a pendent.” Upon returning to let his head down. The result is what we see today- Ru- great in co-curricular activ- small village. There was no modern infrastructure and Cuttack, he started his small chi (Om Oils and Flour Mills Pvt Ltd.) is one of the ities. He is a great swimmer, well-equipped vehicles in that part of Cuttack city, as shop of handmade wheat rare Odia brands which has worldwide recognition. and in college days, was the we witness it today. He had a typical childhood, which supply. Within months, the Yes, we are talking about the self-made entrepreneur best player in multiple sports the majority of the middle Indians had, at that point shop got popularized in the of Odisha- Dr. Sarat Kumar Sahoo. like hockey, cricket, football, 30 31 COVER STORY COVER STORY locality due to the utmost quality of wheat sup- of their technicians- made the machine work. In plied by Dr. Sahoo. However, that period of success the end, miracles happen with those individuals lasted for only a short period. The Government, at who strive hard to succeed in life. To fight with that point in time, decided to stop supplying free the constant inclinations of cyclones and hurri- wheat to small shops due to financial crunches. It canes along the coastline of Odisha, Dr. Sahoo, HUMANITY OVERRULES was at that point in time, Dr. Sarat Sahoo chose to along with his employees, has launched the much utilize his knowledge of masalas and spices which ambitious Atmanirbhar Project. The project will TECHNOCRATIC BEHAVIOUR he got from his father while working at the ho- give employment to over 3000 people and has a tel, and started a small shop massive investment of Rs 100 selling spices and masalas and crore. Speaking about the named it as Ruchi in 1976. The Atmanirbhar project, Sarat What steps is IFFCO taking to towards global recognition. With Nitrogen, Zinc & Copper for Crops rest is history. Today, Ruchi Sahoo said, “What is the comply with the PM’s call- ‘Vocal its extensive network of more than at Kalol, Gujarat. These will help satisfies the taste buds of over point of delivering the relief for Local’? 36,000 cooperative societies spread to promote organic cultivation, across the country, IFFCO provides reduce chemical fertilizer usage by three million customers across food packets after ten days of Under the leadership of our vision- its services at the deep rooted level 50% & increase crop yield 15-30%. the globe, with seven countries the cyclone? Will the peo- ary MD, Dr US Awasthi, IFFCO to every village of the country. IF- and over 18000 outlets. For ple, stay hungry for the first has always believed in ‘Make in How is IFFCO tapping ICT ser- FCO apart from complex fertilisers Dr. Sahoo, Ruchi is his first nine days? And will the food India’ campaign and has been vices and leveraging technology for has invested in locally producing family. Every day, he spends packets be delivered with ut- following this principally since its the benefit of farmers? Water Soluble fertilisers, Biofertil- most of the time in the factory, most hygiene? Atmanirbhar inception. It is serving the local izers and Bio Stimulants which are Information Technology plays catering to the needs of his project will deliver dry food farmers with the products man- one of the best in quality and very a significant role in the success employees. For him, Ruchi Dr. Sahoo with Hon’ble products to the needy people ufactured & produced locally in popular among the farmers and of any business today. To enable is his elder son and the son Chief Minister Sj. Naveen Patnaik affected in a cyclone as soon five plants across India. IFFCO is are in great demand. IFFCO’s R&D timely accessibility of requisite who needs his utmost priority. as possible while keeping the the only fertiliser cooperative of Lab launched Nano Technology information, computing power has When asked about the man- hygiene quotient intact. India which is making its mark in based nutrient sources like Nano - been enhanced. All our fertiliser agement of his employees during these difficult the international arena taking it “Change is the only constant thing in the world,” Plants are fully automated and times, he said, “ It doesn’t matter if I get any fund- is what Dr. Sahoo stressed when asked about the ing or not. I will clear the salary of my employees adaptability of the organization during the COVID on the first day of every month.” times. “If required, we will start our own website, Forty-five years is a very lengthy time. During this and deliver people from door to door. If I do not period, Dr. Sahoo has had heaps of highs and lows change with time, my competitors will easily take in his entrepreneurial career. However, according over me. So to be successful in the market, for to him, the worst phase in his career was during decades, application to the change is the utmost the 1999 super cyclone. The worst cyclone ever hit necessity.” Ruchi is a brand that always amazes its in the Indian subcontinent, which ruined the lives customers. The diversity of products it has on the of millions of people, also to some extent, made table is what makes the customers love them the Sahoo’s life worst—remembering the incident, most. Ruchi was the first company in Odisha to Dr. Sahoo speaks- “I just bought a machine of Rs bring the concept of pasta. “I feel great to make the 50 crore from Korea. The machine was planted land of Pakhala (fermented rice) love pasta,” says in front of many dignitaries and IAS officers. The Dr. Sahoo. And with the quality they produce, it is next day, the cyclone happened, and the next thing again going to be a sure shot success. Sahoo con- I know was the machine is completely destroyed.” cluded the interview while giving a piece of advice However, Dr. Sahoo is a man who never gives out from his bank of wisdom to future entrepreneurs. hope. That is the reason why even the Almighty “Never be dependent- always try to start a business stands by his side. Luckily, he had a generator with minimum investment, which you can easi- at that time and has kept gallons of diesel in the ly make because self-dependency is the best way stock, which could at least run for a week. Within to achieve success. Always respect your parents, that span of time, he hurriedly prepared all the co-workers, employees, and even your competitors. spices and sold to the market- to provide bread You survive in the market because of them. You and butter to all his employees. During that time, must possess five qualities- hard work, patience, the Koreans also visited his site and, with the help mental peace, mental strength, and calmness.”

32 33 COVER STORY COVER STORY locality due to the utmost quality of wheat sup- of their technicians- made the machine work. In plied by Dr. Sahoo. However, that period of success the end, miracles happen with those individuals lasted for only a short period. The Government, at who strive hard to succeed in life. To fight with that point in time, decided to stop supplying free the constant inclinations of cyclones and hurri- wheat to small shops due to financial crunches. It canes along the coastline of Odisha, Dr. Sahoo, HUMANITY OVERRULES was at that point in time, Dr. Sarat Sahoo chose to along with his employees, has launched the much utilize his knowledge of masalas and spices which ambitious Atmanirbhar Project. The project will TECHNOCRATIC BEHAVIOUR he got from his father while working at the ho- give employment to over 3000 people and has a tel, and started a small shop massive investment of Rs 100 selling spices and masalas and crore. Speaking about the named it as Ruchi in 1976. The Atmanirbhar project, Sarat What steps is IFFCO taking to towards global recognition. With Nitrogen, Zinc & Copper for Crops rest is history. Today, Ruchi Sahoo said, “What is the comply with the PM’s call- ‘Vocal its extensive network of more than at Kalol, Gujarat. These will help satisfies the taste buds of over point of delivering the relief for Local’? 36,000 cooperative societies spread to promote organic cultivation, across the country, IFFCO provides reduce chemical fertilizer usage by three million customers across food packets after ten days of Under the leadership of our vision- its services at the deep rooted level 50% & increase crop yield 15-30%. the globe, with seven countries the cyclone? Will the peo- ary MD, Dr US Awasthi, IFFCO to every village of the country. IF- and over 18000 outlets. For ple, stay hungry for the first has always believed in ‘Make in How is IFFCO tapping ICT ser- FCO apart from complex fertilisers Dr. Sahoo, Ruchi is his first nine days? And will the food India’ campaign and has been vices and leveraging technology for has invested in locally producing family. Every day, he spends packets be delivered with ut- following this principally since its the benefit of farmers? Water Soluble fertilisers, Biofertil- most of the time in the factory, most hygiene? Atmanirbhar inception. It is serving the local izers and Bio Stimulants which are Information Technology plays catering to the needs of his project will deliver dry food farmers with the products man- one of the best in quality and very a significant role in the success employees. For him, Ruchi Dr. Sahoo with Hon’ble products to the needy people ufactured & produced locally in popular among the farmers and of any business today. To enable is his elder son and the son Chief Minister Sj. Naveen Patnaik affected in a cyclone as soon five plants across India. IFFCO is are in great demand. IFFCO’s R&D timely accessibility of requisite who needs his utmost priority. as possible while keeping the the only fertiliser cooperative of Lab launched Nano Technology information, computing power has When asked about the man- hygiene quotient intact. India which is making its mark in based nutrient sources like Nano - been enhanced. All our fertiliser agement of his employees during these difficult the international arena taking it “Change is the only constant thing in the world,” Plants are fully automated and times, he said, “ It doesn’t matter if I get any fund- is what Dr. Sahoo stressed when asked about the ing or not. I will clear the salary of my employees adaptability of the organization during the COVID on the first day of every month.” times. “If required, we will start our own website, Forty-five years is a very lengthy time. During this and deliver people from door to door. If I do not period, Dr. Sahoo has had heaps of highs and lows change with time, my competitors will easily take in his entrepreneurial career. However, according over me. So to be successful in the market, for to him, the worst phase in his career was during decades, application to the change is the utmost the 1999 super cyclone. The worst cyclone ever hit necessity.” Ruchi is a brand that always amazes its in the Indian subcontinent, which ruined the lives customers. The diversity of products it has on the of millions of people, also to some extent, made table is what makes the customers love them the Sahoo’s life worst—remembering the incident, most. Ruchi was the first company in Odisha to Dr. Sahoo speaks- “I just bought a machine of Rs bring the concept of pasta. “I feel great to make the 50 crore from Korea. The machine was planted land of Pakhala (fermented rice) love pasta,” says in front of many dignitaries and IAS officers. The Dr. Sahoo. And with the quality they produce, it is next day, the cyclone happened, and the next thing again going to be a sure shot success. Sahoo con- I know was the machine is completely destroyed.” cluded the interview while giving a piece of advice However, Dr. Sahoo is a man who never gives out from his bank of wisdom to future entrepreneurs. hope. That is the reason why even the Almighty “Never be dependent- always try to start a business stands by his side. Luckily, he had a generator with minimum investment, which you can easi- at that time and has kept gallons of diesel in the ly make because self-dependency is the best way stock, which could at least run for a week. Within to achieve success. Always respect your parents, that span of time, he hurriedly prepared all the co-workers, employees, and even your competitors. spices and sold to the market- to provide bread You survive in the market because of them. You and butter to all his employees. During that time, must possess five qualities- hard work, patience, the Koreans also visited his site and, with the help mental peace, mental strength, and calmness.”

32 33 COVER STORY COVER STORY energy efficient using state of the the beneficiaries to the members of At the corporate level, IFFCO ran and residents of our Township. art technology and the operations, the Societies for the last few years a nation-wide ‘Break the Corona Subsequently, various key guide- associated backend and forward is being paid electronically using Chain campaign’ by taking preven- lines from the government agencies linkages; and marketing and sales the IT facilities. IFFCO Yuva is a tive measures for COVID, making and our HO were received and have been fully integrated by job portal aimed at generation of employees, farmers, co-operators & are being implemented vigorously making extensive use of technolo- employment for urban as well as farm labourers aware of this pan- in letter and spirit. Accordingly a gy. The Indian Cooperative Digital rural youth. demic; and generously donated Rs committee consisting of top execu- Platform, IFFCOBazar.in, IFFCO 25 crore to PM Relief Fund in sup- tives, viz. DGM (Security), Doctor, How many farmers do you have on Kisan app, i-Mandi App etc, are port of this cause. Here at Paradeep Safety Head and Vigilance Officer board at present? a few major platforms which are Unit, we made multi-pronged has been looking into this aspect mance of IFFCO Kisan app finance, an AI-based, voice-enabled Oracle Digital Assistant has been providing guidance and domain The part of non-functional Direc- efforts and numerous contributions on a daily basis with a record “IFFCO Kisan” App is a major tool deployed. During the lockdown, knowledge in farming methods tors on board of IFFCO is repre- in the fight against Coronavirus. register. in the hands of farmers and pro- the chatbot’s usability increased and weather conditions; and fa- sented by the farmers who are part Right since the time the threat of vides access to weather forecasts, Special emphasis is being given manifold as a majority of the work- cilitate easy procurement of their of the cooperative society of their Coronavirus became evident, we current market prices of agri-com- to the aspects of hygiene, social force is working remotely. Our farming needs. These apps provide state. immediately geared up ourselves modities, one-touch facility to con- distancing, providing of masks, mobile applications have helped us an online platform for purchase with a comprehensive action plan sult with agricultural experts, latest During these testing times of soaps, sanitizers at the workplaces automate business workflows and of agri inputs & produce, FMCG, and took several preventive mea- agricultural advisory, access to li- Covid pandemic, how have you in the Plant and the places of stay. remotely manage our Production, electronics, loans, insurance, etc. sures for the well-being of our brary of best practices for different ensured smooth and uninterrupted Further, sanitization/disinfection Sales, Procurement and Finance Further the Dividend benefit to all employees, contractual workforce crops & many more; and is being operations? of various buildings and residential business operations. areas of the workers in plant prem- used extensively by large number ises/township area with 1% sodium of farmers across the nation. What defines the work culture at IFFCO? hypochlorite solution using fire IFFCO recently inked an agree- tenders with spray nozzles is being ment with ICAR. What is the scope At IFFCO, we believe that we are carried out periodically. Also, Sa- of this agreement? human beings first then Man- nitisation Tunnel is being operated agers and Engineers. Humanity IFFCO have signed MoU with for incoming/ outgoing personnel always overrules the technocratic ICAR for joint research, testing, & Transport Vehicles at Plant Gate. behaviour. All employees volun- validation of products. The agree- tarily donated one day’s salary for Unit extended all help to the ment will allow the centres to the service to the needy persons needy people within the vicinity of disseminate technological ad- around our vicinity of the IFF- Paradeep and also to the Govt. of vancements by imparting training, CO Paradeep plant to fight with Odisha. Ours was the first orga- through awareness programs, Covid19. Hard work and sincerity nization to provide substantial campaigns, field trials and demon- on the field brings laurels. Same medical support to include hospital strations for the benefit of farmers. equipment and PPE items which was on its peak by our sincere Has IFFCO invested in disruptive was highly appreciated by the State employees, contract workers and technologies like Artificial Intelli- Govt. during daily briefing of the business partners during last year gence (AI) and Machine Learning? State Govt. in various TV channels. 2019- 2020 FY where we surpassed What have been the outcomes? all previous records of Production, We organized awareness pro- IFFCO is taking forward the Safety, Productivity, Environment grammes and distributed nose ‘Digital India’ initiative launched and achieved the highest ever 19.3 masks, sanitizers, leaflets having by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Lakh tonne of fertilizer produc- Escorting MD & CEO DOs and DON’Ts to be observed. Narendra Modi Ji and piloted tion last year from this world class (IFFCO) Dr. U. S. Awasthi Also, we distributed essential voice-enabled Oracle Chatbot, fertilizer plant. Jyoti Ladies Club, “Who happens to be items like Rice, Dal, Oil, Sugar, which is a first-of-its-kind in the IFFCO Paradeep is working our “Father Figure” in a Chuda, cooked meals to the poor agriculture industry in India. This towards betterment of life of the sense of guiding us like and needy people orphanage and Chatbot is presently delivering members and the community sur- his own children beyond stranded labourers of Jagatsing- information related to HR and rounding the plant and township. professionalism...” hpur & Kendrapara districts. In Marketing. IFFCO aims to take the As a moral responsibility to sup- addition, going beyond the call to K. J. Patel, Chatbot across its 36,000 member port the society, the club members help mankind, we supplied cattle Unit Head, Paradeep (IFFCO) cooperative societies and nearly volunteered their services towards feed to Govardhan Goshala,Puri. four crore farmers. For addressing providing food to approximately Tell us something on the perfor- employee queries related to HR and 100 persons every day for 15 days. 34 35 COVER STORY COVER STORY energy efficient using state of the the beneficiaries to the members of At the corporate level, IFFCO ran and residents of our Township. art technology and the operations, the Societies for the last few years a nation-wide ‘Break the Corona Subsequently, various key guide- associated backend and forward is being paid electronically using Chain campaign’ by taking preven- lines from the government agencies linkages; and marketing and sales the IT facilities. IFFCO Yuva is a tive measures for COVID, making and our HO were received and have been fully integrated by job portal aimed at generation of employees, farmers, co-operators & are being implemented vigorously making extensive use of technolo- employment for urban as well as farm labourers aware of this pan- in letter and spirit. Accordingly a gy. The Indian Cooperative Digital rural youth. demic; and generously donated Rs committee consisting of top execu- Platform, IFFCOBazar.in, IFFCO 25 crore to PM Relief Fund in sup- tives, viz. DGM (Security), Doctor, How many farmers do you have on Kisan app, i-Mandi App etc, are port of this cause. Here at Paradeep Safety Head and Vigilance Officer board at present? a few major platforms which are Unit, we made multi-pronged has been looking into this aspect mance of IFFCO Kisan app finance, an AI-based, voice-enabled Oracle Digital Assistant has been providing guidance and domain The part of non-functional Direc- efforts and numerous contributions on a daily basis with a record “IFFCO Kisan” App is a major tool deployed. During the lockdown, knowledge in farming methods tors on board of IFFCO is repre- in the fight against Coronavirus. register. in the hands of farmers and pro- the chatbot’s usability increased and weather conditions; and fa- sented by the farmers who are part Right since the time the threat of vides access to weather forecasts, Special emphasis is being given manifold as a majority of the work- cilitate easy procurement of their of the cooperative society of their Coronavirus became evident, we current market prices of agri-com- to the aspects of hygiene, social force is working remotely. Our farming needs. These apps provide state. immediately geared up ourselves modities, one-touch facility to con- distancing, providing of masks, mobile applications have helped us an online platform for purchase with a comprehensive action plan sult with agricultural experts, latest During these testing times of soaps, sanitizers at the workplaces automate business workflows and of agri inputs & produce, FMCG, and took several preventive mea- agricultural advisory, access to li- Covid pandemic, how have you in the Plant and the places of stay. remotely manage our Production, electronics, loans, insurance, etc. sures for the well-being of our brary of best practices for different ensured smooth and uninterrupted Further, sanitization/disinfection Sales, Procurement and Finance Further the Dividend benefit to all employees, contractual workforce crops & many more; and is being operations? of various buildings and residential business operations. areas of the workers in plant prem- used extensively by large number ises/township area with 1% sodium of farmers across the nation. What defines the work culture at IFFCO? hypochlorite solution using fire IFFCO recently inked an agree- tenders with spray nozzles is being ment with ICAR. What is the scope At IFFCO, we believe that we are carried out periodically. Also, Sa- of this agreement? human beings first then Man- nitisation Tunnel is being operated agers and Engineers. Humanity IFFCO have signed MoU with for incoming/ outgoing personnel always overrules the technocratic ICAR for joint research, testing, & Transport Vehicles at Plant Gate. behaviour. All employees volun- validation of products. The agree- tarily donated one day’s salary for Unit extended all help to the ment will allow the centres to the service to the needy persons needy people within the vicinity of disseminate technological ad- around our vicinity of the IFF- Paradeep and also to the Govt. of vancements by imparting training, CO Paradeep plant to fight with Odisha. Ours was the first orga- through awareness programs, Covid19. Hard work and sincerity nization to provide substantial campaigns, field trials and demon- on the field brings laurels. Same medical support to include hospital strations for the benefit of farmers. equipment and PPE items which was on its peak by our sincere Has IFFCO invested in disruptive was highly appreciated by the State employees, contract workers and technologies like Artificial Intelli- Govt. during daily briefing of the business partners during last year gence (AI) and Machine Learning? State Govt. in various TV channels. 2019- 2020 FY where we surpassed What have been the outcomes? all previous records of Production, We organized awareness pro- IFFCO is taking forward the Safety, Productivity, Environment grammes and distributed nose ‘Digital India’ initiative launched and achieved the highest ever 19.3 masks, sanitizers, leaflets having by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Lakh tonne of fertilizer produc- Escorting MD & CEO DOs and DON’Ts to be observed. Narendra Modi Ji and piloted tion last year from this world class (IFFCO) Dr. U. S. Awasthi Also, we distributed essential voice-enabled Oracle Chatbot, fertilizer plant. Jyoti Ladies Club, “Who happens to be items like Rice, Dal, Oil, Sugar, which is a first-of-its-kind in the IFFCO Paradeep is working our “Father Figure” in a Chuda, cooked meals to the poor agriculture industry in India. This towards betterment of life of the sense of guiding us like and needy people orphanage and Chatbot is presently delivering members and the community sur- his own children beyond stranded labourers of Jagatsing- information related to HR and rounding the plant and township. professionalism...” hpur & Kendrapara districts. In Marketing. IFFCO aims to take the As a moral responsibility to sup- addition, going beyond the call to K. J. Patel, Chatbot across its 36,000 member port the society, the club members help mankind, we supplied cattle Unit Head, Paradeep (IFFCO) cooperative societies and nearly volunteered their services towards feed to Govardhan Goshala,Puri. four crore farmers. For addressing providing food to approximately Tell us something on the perfor- employee queries related to HR and 100 persons every day for 15 days. 34 35 COVER STORY COVER STORY His heart is pining for the An alumnus of Utkal University, (DMF). Funds to the DMF are aspirational youths who could he had plunged into politics in primarily emanating from mining potentially get engaged in 2000 with the express purpose hub Kashipur where significant industrial units sprouting in the of bringing change in the industries, strikingly Aditya Birla periphery. The independent MLA underdeveloped constituency. Group owned Utkal Alumina has is known to be humble, self- Muduli also harboured notions active presence with the ownership effacing. He has stayed away from of remaining a force to reckon of bauxite mines. Per the norms the heinous practice of political with in the political fray and enunciated by the Union mines ROOTED IN mudslinging and murky game this impelled him to join the The ministry, funds from the DMF of transactions. It is worthwhile Indian National Congress (INC). are supposed to be utilised for to recall and document again He made his electoral debut in the betterment of displaced locals PEOPLE’S Mudulí’s stupendous success story 2014 but lost to his opponent by and people in the periphery of at the 2019 hustings. a slender margin. Since then, mining operations. While new he never lost his confidence and mines obtained through the Muduli, 46, a quintessential tribal went on to be elected in 2019. transparent process of auctions leader with declared assets worth Rather, his luckless defeat in 2014 have to contribute 10 per cent of ASPIRATIONS a measly Rs 15,000 toppled both strengthened him to work for the the royalty sum to DMF, the older the Modi and Naveen wave at the people of Rayagada with more mines awarded discretionally It was indeed a people and also seen sincerity and commitment. This before promulgation of the time, the Congress party left him amended Mines and Minerals- disgraceful kind of personally educating the disconsolate by denying him a Development & Regulation Act act for the political mass by campaigning party ticket. Muduli, however, was (MMDR) of 2015 need to fork fraternity when the door to door.Perhaps unfazed and decided to contest on out 30 per cent. Almost all states pandemic COVID he admitted CORONA his own as a independent candidate barring Chhattisgarh have been gripped nationwide has given him an and triumphed with a margin of dragging their feet over DMF especially in Odisha opportunity to interact 4848 votes. utilisation. Odisha, too, figures among the laggard states and The debutante MLA believes he where there was no his common citizens in this explains the rookie MLA’s has fought doggedly for Rayagada one from the political my constituency face to concerns. assembly constituency. Now in class has risen to the face as this kind of time the capacity of a legislator, the Muduli emerged as a giant killer occasion. They seemed hardly possible.Prior to opportune time has finally come in 2019 elections, unseating BJD out of their midas that he advocated about to translate his dreams into strongman and former minister Lal touch in extending enacting National policy fruition. One of his key aims is Bihari Himirika from his pocket their services of their for labour reforms by MLA Rayagada educating women to counter COVID-19 at his constituency the conferment of ST status on borough. On his stupendous win, Jhodia community, generating jobs Muduli says, “Jantaa malik hote constituency atleast.That both State and Central for the disgruntled local youths hain (People are the masters). You has been an infamous Govt. mutually after Back in January this year, Ma- 2019 elections. He vanquished and most importantly, optimal need loads of perseverance and talk of the town of witnessing the scale of karand Muduli, the sitting MLA his opponent- former minister utilisation of funds accruing to the voters’ swelling trust to be disappearing politicians migrant workers came from Rayagada whipped up a storm and three -time MLA Lal Bihari the District Mineral Foundation successful” and sadly the reason is from other States which with this crude announcement: Himirika without much ado by a still mysterious. Who perhaps is a matter of “I’m with the Odisha government margin of around 5000 votes. stopped them to come explosive unemployment not with the BJD”. Banking on his deep connect with out and stand for the and gravely concerned. Muduli ever since his emphatic win the people of Rayagada and being amongst them for over decades in common people has Some extend it speaks at the 2019 polls as an independent candidate has been rooting for good and bad times has brought not yet figured out. tough for the state Govt the development of people in his the much needed victory for the But one politician who as well Central Govt. He constituency. He has been engaging first timer MLA Makarananda vociferously facilitated has been pleading since top corporates like Aditya Birla Muduli. Muduli who won from all arrangements made long for labour reforms Group owned Hindalco Industries tribal dominated Rayagada district by the State Govt for as he is a product of and Vedanta to ensure all round credits it all to the people who development of the people. rooted for him the larger intrest of the labour union. Mr. Muduli mentoring his constituency’s children

36 37 COVER STORY COVER STORY His heart is pining for the An alumnus of Utkal University, (DMF). Funds to the DMF are aspirational youths who could he had plunged into politics in primarily emanating from mining potentially get engaged in 2000 with the express purpose hub Kashipur where significant industrial units sprouting in the of bringing change in the industries, strikingly Aditya Birla periphery. The independent MLA underdeveloped constituency. Group owned Utkal Alumina has is known to be humble, self- Muduli also harboured notions active presence with the ownership effacing. He has stayed away from of remaining a force to reckon of bauxite mines. Per the norms the heinous practice of political with in the political fray and enunciated by the Union mines ROOTED IN mudslinging and murky game this impelled him to join the The ministry, funds from the DMF of transactions. It is worthwhile Indian National Congress (INC). are supposed to be utilised for to recall and document again He made his electoral debut in the betterment of displaced locals PEOPLE’S Mudulí’s stupendous success story 2014 but lost to his opponent by and people in the periphery of at the 2019 hustings. a slender margin. Since then, mining operations. While new he never lost his confidence and mines obtained through the Muduli, 46, a quintessential tribal went on to be elected in 2019. transparent process of auctions leader with declared assets worth Rather, his luckless defeat in 2014 have to contribute 10 per cent of ASPIRATIONS a measly Rs 15,000 toppled both strengthened him to work for the the royalty sum to DMF, the older the Modi and Naveen wave at the people of Rayagada with more mines awarded discretionally It was indeed a people and also seen sincerity and commitment. This before promulgation of the time, the Congress party left him amended Mines and Minerals- disgraceful kind of personally educating the disconsolate by denying him a Development & Regulation Act act for the political mass by campaigning party ticket. Muduli, however, was (MMDR) of 2015 need to fork fraternity when the door to door.Perhaps unfazed and decided to contest on out 30 per cent. Almost all states pandemic COVID he admitted CORONA his own as a independent candidate barring Chhattisgarh have been gripped nationwide has given him an and triumphed with a margin of dragging their feet over DMF especially in Odisha opportunity to interact 4848 votes. utilisation. Odisha, too, figures among the laggard states and The debutante MLA believes he where there was no his common citizens in this explains the rookie MLA’s has fought doggedly for Rayagada one from the political my constituency face to concerns. assembly constituency. Now in class has risen to the face as this kind of time the capacity of a legislator, the Muduli emerged as a giant killer occasion. They seemed hardly possible.Prior to opportune time has finally come in 2019 elections, unseating BJD out of their midas that he advocated about to translate his dreams into strongman and former minister Lal touch in extending enacting National policy fruition. One of his key aims is Bihari Himirika from his pocket their services of their for labour reforms by MLA Rayagada educating women to counter COVID-19 at his constituency the conferment of ST status on borough. On his stupendous win, Jhodia community, generating jobs Muduli says, “Jantaa malik hote constituency atleast.That both State and Central for the disgruntled local youths hain (People are the masters). You has been an infamous Govt. mutually after Back in January this year, Ma- 2019 elections. He vanquished and most importantly, optimal need loads of perseverance and talk of the town of witnessing the scale of karand Muduli, the sitting MLA his opponent- former minister utilisation of funds accruing to the voters’ swelling trust to be disappearing politicians migrant workers came from Rayagada whipped up a storm and three -time MLA Lal Bihari the District Mineral Foundation successful” and sadly the reason is from other States which with this crude announcement: Himirika without much ado by a still mysterious. Who perhaps is a matter of “I’m with the Odisha government margin of around 5000 votes. stopped them to come explosive unemployment not with the BJD”. Banking on his deep connect with out and stand for the and gravely concerned. Muduli ever since his emphatic win the people of Rayagada and being amongst them for over decades in common people has Some extend it speaks at the 2019 polls as an independent candidate has been rooting for good and bad times has brought not yet figured out. tough for the state Govt the development of people in his the much needed victory for the But one politician who as well Central Govt. He constituency. He has been engaging first timer MLA Makarananda vociferously facilitated has been pleading since top corporates like Aditya Birla Muduli. Muduli who won from all arrangements made long for labour reforms Group owned Hindalco Industries tribal dominated Rayagada district by the State Govt for as he is a product of and Vedanta to ensure all round credits it all to the people who development of the people. rooted for him the larger intrest of the labour union. Mr. Muduli mentoring his constituency’s children

36 37 DEBATE TIMES Arun Kumar Mahana

WHY OUR ANTI-CHINA NARRATIVE NEEDS TO SHIFT FROM JINGOISM TO PRAGMATISM

he chorus of disgruntlement against China-made products(Why China? And, spare a thought for with our incumbent our anti-China narrative needs to our core manufacturing ecosystem, government(Why our shift from jingoism to pragmatism) especially in steel and aluminium. Tanti-China narrative needs to shift in sundry surveys. But so much is You will get to know their immense from jingoism to pragmatism) the invasion of Chinese products dependence on Chinese imports. has grown louder after Prime into our factories and homes that it A total ban on Chinese products Minister Narendra Modi said sounds unfeasible to disengage. is not the prescription that a good at an all-party meeting that no doctor will order. It threatens From steel to electronics and Chinese troop transgressed the to snap our supply chain. For aluminium to urea, there is a Indian side of the Line of Actual starters, we have to build a massive preponderance of China-made Control (LAC). His statement manufacturing ecosystem. Step up goods everywhere. To substantiate, elicited a barrage of criticism from the focus on import substitution. even bric-a-brac, trivial items like all quarters. India had lost 20 of The Make in India chant has needles, candles and keyrings are her doughty soldiers(Why our muted. ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ has imported from China. anti-China narrative needs to shift to go beyond a frenzied hashtag from jingoism to pragmatism). Wangchuk said, “The campaign. As Sonam Wangchuk, The martyrs had shown profound movement to boycott China the crusader of ‘Boycott China’ valour to ward off their advancing is like treating cancer, you movement points out, consistent Chinese counterparts. Why then will have some pain in the imports from China has hollowed the soldiers were killed if there was beginning but we will be free out our manufacturing base. This no occupation of Indian territory from the malady of Chinese dependence needs to be supplanted nor an attempt of incursion? with ‘self-reliance’. India will again dependency.” gain manufacturing prowess in While this debate rages on and the coming years if we take hard the Prime Minister’s Office Are we advocating zero imports decisions to boycott Chinese (PMO) has gone on a fire fighting from China? Can we gloat that it products now. mode, a parallel anti-China will paralyse the Dragon economy? movement(Why our anti-China One area where our government Let’s pause. And, think minus narrative needs to shift from can intervene is denying China prejudice. India’s share of overall jingoism to pragmatism) is gaining access to strategic markets like exports from China(Why our traction. telecom, thus precluding the anti-China narrative needs to shift Chinese annexation into our living Social media is abuzz with posts of from jingoism to pragmatism) rooms. We need to give a strong- people or users spurning Chinese is a measly three per cent. How worded reply to China- both in goods and overwhelmingly voting then can we think of destabilising rhetoric and practice

38 39 DEBATE TIMES Arun Kumar Mahana

WHY OUR ANTI-CHINA NARRATIVE NEEDS TO SHIFT FROM JINGOISM TO PRAGMATISM

he chorus of disgruntlement against China-made products(Why China? And, spare a thought for with our incumbent our anti-China narrative needs to our core manufacturing ecosystem, government(Why our shift from jingoism to pragmatism) especially in steel and aluminium. Tanti-China narrative needs to shift in sundry surveys. But so much is You will get to know their immense from jingoism to pragmatism) the invasion of Chinese products dependence on Chinese imports. has grown louder after Prime into our factories and homes that it A total ban on Chinese products Minister Narendra Modi said sounds unfeasible to disengage. is not the prescription that a good at an all-party meeting that no doctor will order. It threatens From steel to electronics and Chinese troop transgressed the to snap our supply chain. For aluminium to urea, there is a Indian side of the Line of Actual starters, we have to build a massive preponderance of China-made Control (LAC). His statement manufacturing ecosystem. Step up goods everywhere. To substantiate, elicited a barrage of criticism from the focus on import substitution. even bric-a-brac, trivial items like all quarters. India had lost 20 of The Make in India chant has needles, candles and keyrings are her doughty soldiers(Why our muted. ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ has imported from China. anti-China narrative needs to shift to go beyond a frenzied hashtag from jingoism to pragmatism). Wangchuk said, “The campaign. As Sonam Wangchuk, The martyrs had shown profound movement to boycott China the crusader of ‘Boycott China’ valour to ward off their advancing is like treating cancer, you movement points out, consistent Chinese counterparts. Why then will have some pain in the imports from China has hollowed the soldiers were killed if there was beginning but we will be free out our manufacturing base. This no occupation of Indian territory from the malady of Chinese dependence needs to be supplanted nor an attempt of incursion? with ‘self-reliance’. India will again dependency.” gain manufacturing prowess in While this debate rages on and the coming years if we take hard the Prime Minister’s Office Are we advocating zero imports decisions to boycott Chinese (PMO) has gone on a fire fighting from China? Can we gloat that it products now. mode, a parallel anti-China will paralyse the Dragon economy? movement(Why our anti-China One area where our government Let’s pause. And, think minus narrative needs to shift from can intervene is denying China prejudice. India’s share of overall jingoism to pragmatism) is gaining access to strategic markets like exports from China(Why our traction. telecom, thus precluding the anti-China narrative needs to shift Chinese annexation into our living Social media is abuzz with posts of from jingoism to pragmatism) rooms. We need to give a strong- people or users spurning Chinese is a measly three per cent. How worded reply to China- both in goods and overwhelmingly voting then can we think of destabilising rhetoric and practice

38 39 PHARMA TIMES Sobhan Garnaik Vaccine is the ultimate solution for Covid

ocal pharma companies Q- How badly has COVID-19 hit can be the game-changers your industry? What’s the present in Odisha. They have the scenario of the Pharma Industry in Lpotential to give the best medicines general? at affordable rates not only in our The effect on the incomes has state but throughout India”, says driven a lot of the companies in the Bidhu Bhushan Patra, Managing pharma sector to stop recruiting Director at Mannequin Pharma. people. Right now, no layoffs or The medicine industry is the most salary cuts have been considered by striving enterprise in today’s com- Mannequin. petitive scenario. Patra who helms Mannequin Pharma has been the However, in comparison to differ- pioneer in making a success out of ent ventures, the pharmaceutical the home-grown pharmaceutical sector is relied upon to see a pos- companies. Bidhu Bhushan Patra itive effect, on a worldwide basis, MD, Mannequin Pharma on its development this year. A few He has urged the Government to organizations have additionally be- establish a pharma park in Odisha gun boosting workers, particularly to apprise people o the benefits pharma companies is miserable. in the production function who are of the industry. He also espouses We have to import everything supporting plant operations during the notion of significant economic from other states, starting from the this COVID period. Some local development with the building machinery which makes the med- companies may wind up under of the Pharma Park in Odisha. In icines to even the cartoons which pressure. an exclusive interview, Patra talks store them. Q- While global efforts are in place about the struggles of local pharma The same was the situation of Man- to develop a vaccine against the companies in Odisha, their poten- nequin Pharma as well. However, Covid-19, what’s your take on it? tial, and the need for the Govern- there was a turning point in our ment swing into action. organization when we joined hands While a vaccine is the desired Q- Can you share your experience with Mrs. Archana Pattnaik, Man- ultimate solution and the world is in Mannequin Pharma? aging Director of Odisha Medical seeking after this to occur, it is un- Corporation, a few years back. She doubtedly conceivable that it might We started Mannequin in 2003. is a lady with a great vision. take numerous years. We, despite However, in the initial years, we everything, don’t have one for HIV. observed that it was challenging for It is only because of her that the In this manner, rather than tying the organization to make profits. present scenario of Mannequin down the whole world’s expec- Therefore, in 2005, we became a and other local pharma companies tation on a useful antibody, the private limited company. Since have got better. Earlier, there were world should work around figuring then, apart from a few sporadic situations where we had worked for out how to live with the infection hurdles, our company has seen a a few months, and the rest of the while research proceeds. It would smooth run. year, everyone had to sit idle. How- be prudent to investigate different ever, after her cooperation, we are Q- Any situation which you feel alternatives of both prevention and working on an everyday basis and was the turning point in your life? cure that could deal with the side yielding good profits as well. effects and decrease morbidity To be frank, the situation of local 40 YOUTH TIMES Sobhan Garnaik Unleashing youth power in a New Normal

he youth are the most significant and dynamic components of the pop- ulace in any nation. It is Taccepted that creating nations with enormous youth populace could see massive development, provided you invest resources into young- sters’ health, education, and ensure and protect their rights. We can, without a doubt, say that the pres- ent youth are tomorrow’s pioneers, makers, developers, and influenc- ers. The monetary trigger happens when a country’s more significant number of hands to work accessible than more mouths to take care of. To put it concisely, the working-age population must be more signifi- numerous fruitful Indian captions. it possesses similarly wild energy cant than the needy populace. He oversees time flawlessly and for youths who are amidst their keeps himself intellectually and examinations, or the ones begin- Today, the more significant part truly fit to be steady in all the game ning their professions and the ones of India’s populace is under 25 formats. The former has achieved who dread pay eliminates or a job years of age. It is the most signifi- some remarkable victories at home misfortune. During the lockdown, cant number of youngsters in any and away. Be that as it may, lately, mobile phones, the internet, and nation on earth, with over 62 per things have changed. While we’ve the rise of social media have been cent of its populace in the work- held a significant part of the energy pointed out as the main culprits ing-age bracket (15–59 years). It is and enthusiasm, we’ve likewise behind everything wrong with also assessed that the average age of developed a ton enroute. youth’s creativity. the populace in India by 2022 will be 29 years against 40 years in the We are currently exceptionally Now, youths have their favourite USA, 46 years in Europe, and 47 estimated and steady in what we do routine, which starts with laying years in Japan. The Indian Cricket and how we do it. Still, the young down with mobile phones and Team’s journey on the world stage people of today are progressively binge-watching content on OTT mirrors India’s youth journey in getting anxious and battling to platforms all day long. Going back, the recent past. Virat Kohli is a mo- expel the aberrations. But then the the sentiment we recognized was tivation and an excellent example pandemic adds to their misery, joy, delight, an expectation of su- for the young today. We have seen which has dampened their limited perior life, the storied ‘achhe din.’ his development, his consistency, spirits. The most startling fact is If 2014 was an appointment of any and his authoritative traits. Driv- that one out of six youngsters has desire for a superior life, 2019 was ing from the front is quite tricky. lost jobs since the episode of the the recharging of that guarantee However, Kohli appears as though Covid-19 pandemic. While it is in the desire that it will take that a veteran on the field and his hard for individuals previously ex- long to recover it completely. But strategic moves cheer the hearts of periencing psychological disorders, nothing happened!

41 42 43 FEATURE STORY

HOW TRIO PULLED OFF AN UNUSUAL RATH YATRA

Once the apex court green flagged the Rath Yatra, the state machinery barely had time to get its act together. But thanks to the untiring efforts and vision of the administrative triumvi- rate– Director General of Police (DGP) Abhay, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Krishan Kumar and Puri Collector Balwant Singh, the divine spectacle was a stunning success. Kumar led the preparations from the front. He has ordered 5000 face masks for all servi- tor families. Rigorous health checkups of the ganise the Rath Yatra successfully, in line with servitors to participate in the Rath Yatra were the Supreme Court verdict and conforming to done and adequate arrangements were made the state norms on social distancing. A curfew for sanitising. was clamped in Puri town and all wayside ven- The Puri administration pulled all stops to or- dors were asked to quit Grand Road.

44 FEATURE STORY

It was a tumultuous run-up to the staging of the Rath Yatra 2020. It was an unusual fest this year, organising it amid the shadow of the pandemic. The Rath Yatra itself was sunk in uncertainty. When the Centre or the Odisha govern- ment preferred to pass the buck, the ball was left in the Supreme Court. At the highest judiciary too, the process wasn’t free from hassles. The apex court first ruled out the car festi- val, dashing the hopes of countless servitors and devotees. When the court order sparked immense public outrage, petitions were filed again in the Supreme Court, forcing it to retract its previous judgement.

DGP Abhaya accompanied the state Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy to Puri to take stock of the situation on eve of Rath Yatra. Law Minister Pratap Jena camped in Puri ahead of the grand spectacle. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik held a remote video conference with top officials and con- cerned ministers to ensure the stupendous success of the Rath Yatra, keeping to the pious sentiments of the people. Kumar made it abundantly clear that only 10 servitors would be allowed atop each chariot during the festival proceedings. No more than 500 servitors were allowed to pull the chariots Puraskar’ for pulling chariots of the ‘Holy Trin- of the sibling deities as per the Supreme Court ity’ and ensuring completion of the Rath Yatra order. Covid testing of all of them was made on time. The servitors were also assured of the mandatory. release of the third tranche of Rs 5000 in cash in The temple administration announced ‘Palia view of the Covid induced lockdown.

45 WELLNESS TIMES Charan Singh Getting to the Skin of Success

hen cu- Burning the midnight oil, she riosity, along with her team members coupled are on the verge of achieving with the rare feat of discovering a pas- product through innovative sion defines your working techniques and operating Wstyle, success is destined to on nanotechnology. This kiss your feet. Inspired by product caters to the people this mantra and shatter- suffering from sagging skin, ing the glass ceiling in the dark circles, wrinkles and patriarchal world, Dr Lita patches on the face. Mohapatra(Getting to the Ascending so many stages of Skin of Success) embarked success on the rungs of hard on a journey to unravel the work and perseverance, Dr mystery of stem cells for Mohaptra has earned many the treatment of hyperpig- laurels for herself such as mentation. She has been TIMES HEALTH ICON in astoundingly successful in July 2019, INDIA EXCEL- her endeavor. LENCE IN AESTHETIC Dr Mohapatra(Getting MEDICINE in December to the Skin of Success), a 2019, INDIA EXCELLENCE double master’s from Syd- AS WOMAN ENTRE- ney University Australia, PRENEUR IN HOLISTIC stumbled upon a crossroads Dr. Lita Mohapatra HEALTH CARE in Decem- when she had to make a ber 2019, TOP EMERGING choice between studying Los jovens Clinilogic Pvt. Ltd WOMAN ENTREPRE- medicine or aesthetic med- NEUR OF ODISHA BY icine and cosmetologist. KIIT TBI in February 2020, Fascinated by the possi- and TOP INSPIRING WOM- Dr Lita Mohapatra, MBBS, bilities of the uncharted path, she AN ENTREPRENEUR in March chose cosmetology as her career. MM, MM, Fellowship in Aes- 2020. thetic Cosmetologist Medi- The watershed moment came cine(India/Australia) Founder Fondly called as magician or when she received a Full bright Of Los Jovenes Clinilogic Pvt multi-tasking doctor by her friends scholarship from the University of as she has accomplished the daunt- LTD. Newcastle Australia, to pursue her ing task of being an entrepreneur research interest in medicine and in Odisha, Dr.Mohapatra(Getting Since then, Dr.Mohapatra has later on, in 2014, she(Getting to the to the Skin of Success) nurtures the striven forward excellence culmi- Skin of Success) went on to receive vision of expanding the horizon of nating into establishing her own another scholarship from the Aus- Clinilogic through franchise net- entrepreneurial venture Losjovens tralian government about studying work in India as well as abroad Clinilogic Pvt. Ltd. aboriginal health.

46 47 COVID WARRIOR TIMES Dibyajit Sahu Cuttack collector skips leave despite colossal personal tragedy

habani Shankar Chaini, high benchmark of probity during Cuttack collector has the crisis period in the wake of set a rare precedent by Coronavirus outbreak in the State, skipping leave despite a said State Government’s COVID-19 huge personal bereave- spokesperson Subroto Bagchi. ment. Though Chaini lost his fa- “Incomplete work is no work” was Bther, he desisted from taking leave the mantra of his father quoted from official duties amid the state’s Bagchi as saying by the Collector, assiduous efforts to fight the deadly who preferred to discharge his Covid-19 pandemic. Chaini’sself- official duties, for the larger interest less conduct has lionised him, of the people. drawing parallels with senior bureaucrat Nikunja Bihari Dhal. Bhabani Shankar Chaini Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik too Dhal, principal secretary (health & DM, Cuttack extolled the exemplary conduct family welfare) had resumed duties of the Cuttack collector. Deepest condolences to @CuttackDM who “Our purpose was to minimise footfall, as these points attract lost his father this morning. In an congregation and the whole idea of social distancing would have act of exemplary public service, Sri been foiled. Therefore we did not include any such sale of such Bhabani Chayani(Cuttack col- items which would allow people to congregate. Cuttack is a very lector skips leave despite colossal old city and it is densely populated, that has made our job tough personal tragedy) continues to and we are taking all possible steps to ensure that the denizens work without a single day leave during the huge personal tragedy. don’t fall prey to the deadly virus”, Chaini said. #Odisha salutes his inspirational leadership@narendramodi#Odis- senior OAS officer who held several within 24 hours of losing his father. haFightsCorona. Wedded to public key positions in the state govern- The collector’s father Damodar service, Chaini has set the highest ment before superannuating. The Chainiwho passed away at 98 was a standards of probity Cuttack District Collector has set a

48 49 ENTERTAINMENT TIMES

in the world in terms of the by - Sushree Sangeeta number of films released. hile coro- Meanwhile, regional film in- navirus has dustries including Ollywood engulfed the also face the same crisis. global econ- While the number of movie Womy throttling any expected releases and screens are fairly growth, a sector which has less in Odia film industry, got the severest jolt of the the impact on the persons virus is entertainment. involved in this business is Films, which are yet to be larger than expected. released are even more Due to the lockdown, the susceptible to weak footfalls makers of many anticipated given the increasing tenden- Bollywood and Ollywood cy among viewers to avoid films have postponed the group engagements lest it release date. triggers fears of contracting the virus. This is likely to On the other hand, owners of impact box office revenues. single-screen movie the- atres in Odisha are not very The Indian film industry is optimistic about the revival one of the largest

Toughest Time in My Car- rer... I have never imagined such kind of stuffs ever be occured in our times. God only can save us to our industry ! Bhoomika Dash, Ollywood Actress

“Due to this lockdown and Covid situation, our en- tertainment sector is suffering the most. We all agree with the government guidelines and are also obeying it. The shuttering of cinema halls and theatres across the country, and the ‘social distancing’ and ‘stay at home’ advisories from the authorities, have severely affected operations in the media and entertainment industry”, said Ollywood actor.

Devasis Mohanty Ollywood actor

50 ENTERTAINMENT TIMES of the ailing sector. Jayashree Cinema Hall of Cuttack cent will be relatively resilient with a likely decline of district is going to stop screening movies forever- it 14 percent, Crisil said in a report.The lockdown which is going to close operations for all times to come. If does not include any serious plan to assist millions of major films are not released at the cinema halls in the low-paid workers has drastically impacted the Indian coming days, the entire single screen sector will likely film industry and its workforce which largely subsists seize. on daily wages.Those hit by the crisis include a posse of showbiz professionals- assistant directors, artists, With cinema halls shut and film releases suspended designers, location assistants, script supervisors, amid the nation-wide lockdown, makers are resorting camera assistants, and lighting- and motion-control to OTT platforms to keep the entertainment business technicians. alive. The media and entertainment sector is expected to witness a 16 percent decline in revenue for FY21, Besides, artists also face challenges including those due to fall in advertisement and subscription income regarding the financial framework that has heavily in the wake of coronavirus-induced lockdown, ratings impacted their lives. agency Crisil said. The industry would take a hit of While actors and singers are enthusiastic and passion- around 18 percent in revenue from advertisements ate to continue working, opportunities have become that accounts for nearly 45 percent of total income, limited for them due to the unexpected crisis induced while the subscription earning that contributes 55 per- by the virus. COVID SHUTTERS HOPES OF SHOWBIZ PROS

“Due to this lockdown and Covid situation, our en- Noted Ollywood director Sanjay Nayak said, “None of tertainment sector is suffering the most. We all agree us were prepared for such a pandemic, but all I can say with the government guidelines and are also obeying it. is that we are together in this and soon will get clarity The shuttering of cinema halls and theatres across the from the government. Theatre owners must regain the country, and the ‘social distancing’ and ‘stay at home’ confidence of the people. It won’t be easy and the highest advisories from the authorities, have severely affected levels of hygiene and sanitation, as well as social distanc- operations in the media and entertainment industry”, ing, will have to be maintained hope for the best to get said Ollywood actor. some good news soon”.

Sanjay Nayak Noted Ollywood director

51 MENTAL HEALTH TIMES Sayak Karmkar "Minding Your Mental Health' Why It Counts !

“Just take a day off, or listen to your And last but the most critical favourite music, you will be al- factor- how can we give proper right!!!” A clichéd response which medical assistance to this large sec- people tend to hear when they lay tion of people, so that they can lead bare a stirred mind– “I am not a healthy life again?? For this, let us feeling well mentally” or “I am not understand why mental health is in the right state of mind.” This is important. the deplorable yet true scenario of Mental Health and Its Importance mental health in our country. A person can be recognized as Distressingly, the majority of having sound mental health when people in our country are oblivious he or she behaves and thinks posi- to unstable mental health and its tively. The person has control over ramifications. the decision-making process, and According to the survey of Eco- failures and success do not affect nomic Times, 7.5 per cent of our the guy in an adverse way. The ul- total population suffers from men- timate goal of a human being is to tal or emotional disturbances in live a life of utter satisfaction. life, which roughly amounts to 98 Satisfaction lies in the happiness lakh people living in our country. of the individual. However, happi- The same survey reveals shocking ness should be innately built with a statistics that only 4000 experts satisfactory quotient coming from in our country today specialize in emotional, mental, and financial treating these 98 lakhs people. wellness. According to the reports of The The combination of all the aspects Diplomat, there are roughly 150 mentioned above makes a human decides to isolate him/her from the million people in India who re- being mentally healthy. However, world. Prolonged isolation is haz- quire medical or therapeutic assis- the problem starts when people ardous as it may lead the person to tance for ailing mental health. start finding the pursuit of content- take the most vulnerable decision ment. However, as per the same report, of ending life. Therefore, mental if all the patients are given treat- Any disturbances in terms of mon- health needs to be taken in an ear- ment simultaneously, the proposed ey, family, love, friendship, gender nest account. budget per patient will be equal to identity, studies, or organizational Why People Suffer from More 33 paise in Indian currency. recognition can have an unpro- Mental Health Pressure These pitious effect in the mind of the Shocking??? Sad?? Weird?? You can Days? individual. These disturbances ruin be bewildered, but it’s an open fact the balance of the mind, and the First of all, we should understand with glaring statistics. So why is person starts falling into the dark that the statement mentioned mental health not given preference life of depression. above might be factually correct, in our country? How important is but it may digress from reality. it in today’s scenario? How can we Depression wrecks the meaning of People in the past had less access increase awareness? life from a person who ultimately to public communication, and

52 there was not any concept of social with the person’s ruinous state of ible trauma. All these factors make media. So, it might always be that mind. India is a country with loads mental health more prevalent and a people were falling into depression of talent. However, it is the same serious issue in our country. in earlier days as well. There were country where talent does not meet How to Spread the Awareness? fewer statisticians just as today we the opportunity. have a scarcity of mental health ex- The best way to spread awareness is Sadly enough, the monstrous prev- perts. However, the modern world to support. Moreover, the support alence of corruption, nepotism, wants a human being to be dynam- must first come from the family. and favouritism in every field of ic personally as well as professio The child, irrespective of gender, living makes the life of the person gender choice, height, weight, skin colour, and IQ level, should be treated with the same love. Also, the family must teach their child that not being emotionally well is quite a normal thing. One doesn’t need to fear it and go into isolation mode. One must speak to the family to get the right solution. Psychology as a subject must be introduced in primary and secondary schools in India. It still amazes me that Psychology is still a subject for higher education in our country, with only negligible private schools taking it up as a serious subject to study. Every school and col- lege should have a pool of counsellors who can always be available to a extremely sorrowful. There are student at the time of need. ally. The person needs to best in plenty of individuals who are not The most prominent role has to be school, in college, in organizational mentally strong to take the nev- played by the government. set-up, must be charming, must er-ending hardship of life, thereby More funds should be given to party, have loads of extracurricu- going into a mental trauma. training and building more pro- lar activities, and be the cool dude fessional counsellors and psychia- or hot girl in the society- by not Lastly, as very few people are aware trists. The number of mental health offending the societal norms and of mental health in our country, it experts should double itself every the parent’s respect. While many remains a taboo. People suffering year. This is the only practical way of the people are capable of doing from the trauma are hesitant to to treat people with mental illness. so, several others might lack one or speak up to people as most of us two qualities. will label them “Pagal” (insane). Mental Health is serious, and it matters the most in today’s genera- Unfortunately, society does not The prejudice creeps the fear of tion. It’s high time we make people look at that person with great ignorance in the mind of the realize the importance of mental respect, and the process of isola- individual who, instead of getting health and stop ridiculing it tion starts gathering pace ending help, gets into the zone of irrevers-

53 54 55 CREATIVE TIMES

Subhojit Panda Merging Speed & Grace in Art

But it was only during his engi- within 20 minutes. His portrait neer ing days when Jatin found his sketches are so precisely done that calling in painting. “One fine day it is hard to believe that it has been while casually browsing through completed within 20 minutes. Jatin YouTube, I saw a video of famed who idolizes former Indian captain speed artist Vilas Nayak complet- M.S.Dhoni, aspires to meet the ing a painting of Gabbar Singh stylish player one day and present within three minutes on India’s him a portrait sketch. Besides, Jatin Got Talent reality show. I was so has also met in person and present- much drawn towards the video that ed portrait paintings to Ollywood I challenged myself to try out the actor and MP Anubhav Mohanty, same at home,” said Jatin who quit actress Elina Samantaray and sing- his engineering studies in 2017 to er Rituraj Mohanty, to name a few. solely concentrate on his passion. Though many of his friends draw handsome salary in their respective After a few days, Jatin completed professions, Jatin has no regrets a canvas painting of Mahatma taking the road less travelled by. ifting a life-like portrait Gandhi within eight minutes and Today, Jatin is a happy and busy sketch to your loved uploaded the picture on Facebook. man receiving continuous orders ones is a great idea. His artwork got tremendous re- for pencil sketches, portraits and But getting a perfect sponse from his friends. Motivated, paintings not just from across the Gand flawless portrait sketch done he soon began posting pictures of country but outside requires hard work and dedica- his speed painting works on social tion of the highest level. One such media. His talent portrait artist who has not only got noticed and left an indelible mark as a portrait he started getting artist but also as a speed artist is invitations by Jatin Tarai. Despite the lack of several colleges professional training, Jatin can give to showcase his any experienced artist a run for his skills. In one of his money, thanks to his hyper realis- shows, he com- tic portrait sketches. pleted a painting Born and raised in Choudwar, Jatin of Salman Khan was a meritorious student through- within six min- out. A chance meeting with his un- utes. Apart from cle, a renowned painter, evinced an speed painting, he interest towards art in him. “I had possesses an amaz- never planned to become an artist. ing power to sketch When I was only 9, I saw a paint- life-like portraits. ing of Lord Radha-Krishna made Generally, it takes by my uncle. The painting was so several hours to aesthetically done that I couldn’t complete a pencil take my eyes off it. I decided to try sketch. But in Ja- my hands at painting as well,” said tin’s case, a pencil Jatin, India’s first chocolate painter. sketch gets done 56 SPORTS TIMES

Sobhan Garnaik Bhubaneswar to host 8 World Cup matches, Odisha FC brings in fresh guard

ere’s some uplifting news for football admirers of Odisha. Bhubaneswar touted Has the sports capital will have the opportunity to host a total of eight matches of the upcoming FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup. This is the second time India will host a FIFA competition. The com- petition, which was prior planned to occur in November 2020, was, however, deferred because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and is sched- uled to happen from February 17 to March 7 next year. Likewise, the temple city will host 46-year-old Manipuri had joined a quarter-final and a semi-final the club ahead of the sixth season match on February 28 and March 3 of the Hero Indian Super League individually. The competition will (ISL) in 2019 and was also the Head flag off with double-headers at the of Youth Development of the club. Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Last week, the Bhubaneswar-based Guwahati and the Kalinga Stadium club roped in 66-year-old Stuart in Bhubaneswar with matches in Baxter as their head coach ahead Group A and Group B. of the 2020-21 season. The En- glish-born scot will be the club’s The league games will be held on sixth coach in seven seasons as February 17, 20, and 23, while he is set to take over from Josep quarter-finals will be played on Gombau, who drove the club in the February 28 and semi-finals on Hero Indian Super League (ISL). course of the last two seasons at March 3. The third-place encounter He joined the Bhubaneswar-based Delhi Dynamos and later Odisha and the final will happen in Navi club on a two-year deal on Friday. FC. In his overall coaching career, Mumbai on March 7. Kalinga The former arsenal goalkeeping Baxter has overseen 455 games in Stadium is among the five venues coach played for numerous reput- all competitions, won 220, drew 75 where the competition will be ed clubs like West Ham United, and lost 160 times in his time in played. The other host cities are Everton, Fulham, and Chelsea. Europe, Africa, and Asia. Guwahati, Navi Mumbai, Kolkata, Before joining Odisha FC, the Irish and Ahmedabad. The five cities national team’s former goalkeeper Delhi Dynamos/Odisha FC’s best will host 32 matches involving 16 was the assistant manager of Jap- execution so far is making it to the teams. Odisha FC announced the anese club Shimizu S-Pulse after end of the season games twice, in signing of 64-year-old Gerry Pey- leaving Arsenal in 2018. Earlier, 2015 and 2016, under erstwhile ton as Assistant Coach of the team Odisha FC and assistant Coach managers Roberto Carlos and Gi- ahead of the seventh edition of the Thangboi Singto parted ways. The anluca Zambrotta respectively

57 MOTIVATIONAL TIMES

Dikhya Mohanty Mamata Banerjee Invited At The Oxford Union Global Debate Next Year

est Bengal Chief Min- Founded in 1823, the Oxford convenience between 9th January ister Mamata Banerjee Union had earlier hosted several to 15th March 2021. This global becomes the first Indian world leaders and legends from debate might happen on a virtual Wwomen administrative head who various fields, as speakers. Previ- platform due to the Coronavirus has been invited for debate at ously, world leaders like US Pres- pandemic. Oxford Union debate. The Oxford idents including Ronald Reagan, Earlier Mamata Banerjee had been Union is considered as one of the Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon, and invited at Harvard University to most prestigious and notable stu- Bill Clinton; British Prime Minis- give a criterion speech in Septem- dent society in the world. ters Winston Churchill, Margaret ber 2011 and in 2010, while assist- Thatcher, David Cameron, and The CM of Bengal herself started ing as the railway Union Minister, Theresa May have participated in her political career as a student she was invited at Cambridge the Oxford Union debates leader. This is the second time that University. Unfortunately, she the Oxford Union, considered the According to the sources the wasn’t able to attend either of them most prominent student society in organizer wanted to host a series but this time, the CM is keen on the world, has invited Banerjee to of shows next year. The organiz- making a speech speak at the debate after 2017. ers had sorted the dates as per her

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