Make In Odisha Unit

It was late evening when we were returning from the India Surf Festival 2016 held at Konark, Odisha, two weeks ago. On our way to Bhubaneswar, on the way, we decided to stop by and visit a woman entrepreneur's unit as they had invited us several times. We called up our contact, the manager, Kedar babu, and he said that he, along with the owner, was available then. He heartily welcomed us and guided us about the route to reach their address.

It was very easy to reach the unit as everyone, we inquired on the way, knew the way! It showed the popularity of the owner, the much-awarded entrepreneur, Smt Meenakshi Prusty. We successfully reached our destination. 

Smt Meenakshi Prusty made us feel at home. With the able support of her team- her daughter, Maansi, son-in-law, Kedar babu, and other dedicated members, their unit has been sincerely working & growing. 

2nd from Left- Kedar Babu, Centre- Meenakshi Prusty, Extreme Right -Maansi 

Smt.Prusty said that she had been busy that month, having to visit Puri almost everyday for the holy Hindu month of Kartika. We were grateful that our timing was right to meet her!

We were impressed by the sight that greeted us in her unit. We found many women busy at work. There were many electronic sewing-machines. Her daughter, Maansi, was also working with the other women.

A Hero In Real Life

Chosen as a Spicy Saturday Pick by BlogAdda here.

Heroes are not just the ones we see on the big or small screens in reel-life.

We get to meet heroes in real life too. 

They religiously do their works & duties. They are down-to-earth, sincere, and humble. Heroes do not consider their daily lives to be spectacular though their efforts make the world better & more beautiful. 

I got to meet a hero recently in a village near Pipili in Puri district, Odisha, India.

I found women of all ages at work. Using paints, paint-brushes, and eco-friendly & recycled materials like old newspapers, everyday they are creating awesome works of art that are bright, colourful and environment-friendly. Birds & Fish Hangings, Pen-Stands, Flower-Vases, File-Folders with Saura art (Tribal art), Head-shaking Turtles, Key-chain hangers, Painted bottles, Cardboard Dancing Toys shaped as Spiderman etc- their creative work is much loved & much in demand in India & abroad. 

The credit goes to a hero- Mr. Surjyo Narayan Sahoo, who has been imparting them training and ensuring them a good source of income. 

Watch this video for sustainable Odisha art and artists-

Self-Actualization

Khudi ko kar buland itna ke har taqdeer se pehle

Khuda bande se khud pooche bata teri raza kya hai.”

- Allama Mohammad Iqbal  

English Translation- “Empower/elevate yourself so strong/high that God Himself, before framing fate/destiny, should ask you- Tell me, what is your will/consent?”