As 2025 comes to an end, it’s tempting to get swept up in the negative news that often grabs our attention. But amidst the chaos, there are people working quietly behind the scenes to make a real difference in their communities. While some grabbed headlines for all the wrong reasons, others quietly devoted themselves to serving their communities, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around them.
Ommcom News is shining a spotlight on these unsung heroes who embody selflessness and inspire us to contribute to society. They’re the changemakers – educators, environmentalists, healthcare workers, and social entrepreneurs who’ve committed themselves to creating positive change. Driven by passion, they show up every day, often without seeking recognition or reward. As we say goodbye to 2025, let’s take a moment to appreciate these ordinary people doing extraordinary work, transforming lives and communities.
Lighting Up Quantum Frontiers: Arun K. Pati’s Remarkable Rise
In the quiet lanes of a remote village in Odisha’s Ganjam district, where evenings arrive early because homes go dark without electricity, a young boy once sat chasing light—both literally and in spirit. That boy was Arun K. Pati. While other children returned home at dusk, he carried his books to the panchayat office veranda, where a single electric bulb burned like a small sun in an otherwise shadowed village. Under its pale glow, sitting on the cold floor, he dreamed of a universe far brighter than his surroundings.
Today, the world knows him as one of the top 1% of scientists globally, a leading figure in quantum physics, the Father of Indian Quantum Computing, and the man who recently discovered the ‘Quantum Acceleration Limit’—a rule hidden in nature’s deepest layers. But his story began not in a laboratory, but beside a lantern that flickered more than it shone.
He worked at the Institute of Physics (IOP), Bhubaneswar (2001–2010) and later at the Harish-Chandra Research Institute (HRI), Allahabad. There, along with Prof. Ujjwal Sen and Prof. Aditi Sen De, he established one of India’s largest research groups in quantum computing. He stayed at HRI until the end of 2022, later serving as Head of the Centre for Quantum Science and Technology at IIIT Hyderabad. Currently, as Director, he plans to strengthen the Centre for Quantum Technology (CQuTe) at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar—one of the major quantum research hubs in Eastern India.
Rishikesh Amit Nayak: Revolutionising Farming And Education with AI
Imagine a world where farmers can detect crop diseases before they spread, and children with learning disabilities receive personalised support to unlock their full potential. This vision becomes a reality thanks to Rishikesh Amit Nayak, a young innovator from Odisha, India. With his groundbreaking creations, Kishan Know and Jiveesha, Rishikesh is transforming the lives of farmers and children, showcasing the power of innovation and technology.
Rishikesh’s journey began with a personal connection to agriculture, witnessing his grandfather struggle with crop failure due to bacterial attacks. This experience inspired him to develop an AI-powered tool, Kishan Know, which detects plant diseases and predicts crop failure up to 12 days in advance. Priced at just ₹85 per acre per month, this innovative solution has empowered over 3,000 farmers to take proactive measures, reducing crop losses and improving yields.
On the partnership front, Jiveesha maintains a cross-sectoral coalition of collaborators. The Rotary Club of Dharwad Heritage has committed to facilitating 10,000 free student screenings and supporting national and global scale-up. Clinical validation is supported by DIMHANS (Dharwad Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences), while field-level implementations are actively co-led with inclusive institutions like Sankalp Open School (Chennai), Brio Special Education (Bhubaneswar), and non-profits like Arunabh (Madhya Pradesh). Medical access and research support are enabled through Shreeya Hospitals & Nursing College. Furthermore, Jiveesha partners with NIMHR (National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation) for expert guidance and collaborative deployments.
Through this blend of government, non-profit, and private sector alliances, Jiveesha is building a robust ecosystem to enable inclusive education and neurodevelopmental care at scale—nationally and globally.
Rishikesh’s Jiveesha is not just a pioneering effort in India but a beacon of hope for the world. By aligning with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, and Digital India initiative, Jiveesha is setting a precedent for inclusive neurodevelopmental care globally. With ambitious plans to expand to countries like the UK, US, Africa, Australia, and Switzerland, Rishikesh is truly breaking down borders and fostering a more inclusive world for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Anti-Tobacco Crusader Imran Ali: Empowering Youth For A Healthier Tomorrow
In a world where self-interest often takes centre stage, there are remarkable individuals who defy the norm. Dr Muhammad Imran Ali, fondly known as Imran Ali, is a shining example of such a trailblazer. With unwavering passion and dedication, he has committed himself to transforming his community for the better.
For over 15 years, Imran has been driven by a singular mission: to safeguard the health and well-being of future generations by creating a tobacco-free childhood. Since 2006, his tireless efforts have taken him to an impressive 2,500 locations, spanning schools, slums, offices, and universities. Through his relentless advocacy, Imran has empowered young minds about the devastating effects of tobacco and drug consumption, inspiring the new generation to make informed choices about their health.
To engage and inspire young minds, Imran employs a unique approach – using creative slogans and poems to convey the importance of avoiding addiction. He brings his messages to life through catchy renditions, singing poems entertainingly and humorously that captivate his young audience. By making his sessions interactive and fun, Imran ensures that his message resonates with the youth, leaving a lasting impact on their minds.
Imran’s approach to discouraging tobacco use is truly unique. By making young people take an oath not to touch intoxicants, he’s empowering them to make a conscious decision about their health. This oath serves as a powerful promise to themselves and others, motivating them to stay committed to a lifestyle free from tobacco.
By incorporating this oath-taking ceremony into his awareness programme, Imran is not only educating young people about the dangers of tobacco and drugs but also inspiring them to take ownership of their choices. Apart from writing poems, stories, and rhymes focusing on de-addiction, his personal belongings, such as his bike and helmet, display powerful anti-drug messages that grab attention and spark conversations.
Imran’s anti-tobacco crusade extends beyond traditional platforms, as he actively leverages digital media to spread awareness. His impactful de-addiction campaign on Facebook earned him recognition from Facebook and 92.7 Big FM, who jointly honoured him for his efforts.
Parima: Transforming Organic Farming And Uplifting Her Community
When we think of farmers, the image of men tilling the soil or sowing seeds often comes to mind. However, behind the scenes, women have been playing a crucial role in agriculture, contributing significantly to the sector’s growth and development. In developing countries like India, agriculture continues to absorb and employ a substantial female workforce, yet women farmers remain largely invisible, denied recognition and rights.
With a passion for nurturing the land, she has transformed her three-acre farm into a thriving model of sustainable agriculture. Parima, a Paraja tribal woman, has transformed her land into a living model of regenerative farming. That’s not all. Through her expertise, she offers training to local farmers on organic fertilisers and innovative techniques to grow a variety of pulses and vegetables without pesticides.
With training from PRAGATI, a local non-profit organisation, and technical guidance from Watershed Support Services and Activities Network (WASSAN) experts, she combined traditional knowledge with modern techniques to create a resilient and biodiverse farm ecosystem.
As a master trainer of the Khadia Thakura Farmer Field School, Parima provides training to over 30 farmers in Kurmakote village, empowering them to adopt eco-friendly practices. Her farm serves as a vibrant training ground, where she regularly conducts sessions, mentoring dozens of farmers – especially women – on ecological techniques and self-reliant farming.
Parima’s commitment to organic farming not only enhances soil fertility but also provides a steady income, enabling her to support her family.
Parima’s innovative approach to farming has yielded impressive results. Her diversified cultivation of high-value crops like brinjal, maize, cowpea, and leafy greens generated a substantial income from market sales. By leveraging her integrated farming system, Parima has created a robust financial cushion, shielding herself from the uncertainties of seasonal grain crops.
Moreover, Parima’s native chicken-rearing venture has emerged as a profitable and sustainable component of her farm. With a flock of around 50 birds, she enjoys a triple benefit: a steady protein supply, natural pest control, and enriched soil. The sale of surplus eggs and chickens earns her a decent income. This integrated approach has not only bolstered Parima’s financial stability but also exemplifies the potential of eco-friendly farming practices.
Apart from men, Parima trains women farmers in her locality to build climate-resilient, self-sustaining ecosystems, promoting knowledge sharing and economic prosperity.
Gouri Prasad Das: The Unstoppable Blood Donor, One Platelet At A Time
In a world where selflessness and kindness often go unnoticed, Gouri Prasad Das stands out as a shining example of compassion and dedication. With an astonishing 130 platelet donations and 26 blood donations under his belt, Das has earned recognition not only nationally but also internationally. His journey in this sacred cause began when he was just 16 years old, and since then, he has been tirelessly working towards making a difference in the lives of others.
His unwavering commitment to blood donation has led to numerous accolades, including a place in the International Book of World Records. His selfless acts have been acknowledged by esteemed organizations such as the Commissionerate Police, World Health Organisation, National Blood Donors’ Association, Rotary Club, Cancer Foundation Trust, Wellness Foundation Delhi, and KAPOCH (Kalinga Association For Protection Of Culture & Heritage).
Gouri’s journey as a blood donor began when he was just 16 years old. However, his enthusiasm was met with disapproval from his parents, who scolded him for donating blood at such a young age, as he was still a minor, below the legal age of 18.
Initially, Gouri would voluntarily donate blood at various blood donation camps. However, in some cases, he would specifically opt to donate platelets instead of blood. To date, he has donated platelets an impressive 130 times. He donates platelets around 20-25 times a year and is always ready to help whenever someone is in need of this life-saving component.
Prahallad Nayak: The Street Play Maestro Who’s Changing Lives Through Street Plays
In the bustling streets of Bhubaneswar, an unsung hero has been weaving a tapestry of social awareness through the powerful medium of street plays. For an astonishing 26 years, Prahallad Nayak, affectionately known as Vande Mataram, has been tirelessly staging skits that inspire, educate, and provoke thought. His selfless crusade has become a beacon of hope for a better society.
Nayak’s journey began after completing his Class X matriculation examination when he felt an innate urge to make a difference. With unwavering dedication, he took to the streets, using his talent for storytelling to highlight pressing issues such as road safety, traffic rules, AIDS, domestic violence, Maoist menace and women’s rights among others. His passion has remained unrelenting, even as he approaches three decades of service.
What sets Nayak apart is his ability to inspire others to join him in his mission. His family, including his wife and son, have become an integral part of his team, participating in plays without expectation of payment. This sense of purpose has also attracted a loyal group of 45 members, who travel across the nation to perform plays that promote positive change.
Today, Nayak is the most sought-after name in the field of street play, with a reputation for crafting compelling campaigns that promote government schemes, raise awareness on social issues, and emphasize civil service responsibilities. His unique ability to connect with audiences and convey complex messages through the power of street theatre has made him a prized asset for organizations seeking to drive positive change.
With an astonishing 50,000 street plays under his belt, Nayak has cemented his position as a pioneer in the field of street theatre. Since 1990, he has travelled the length and breadth of the nation, using the power of performance to inspire, educate, and bring about social change.
The driving force behind Nayak’s success is his diverse and dynamic team, comprising individuals from all walks of life – doctors, students, and housewives, united by a shared passion for creating a better world. Together, they have woven a rich tapestry of stories, issues, and ideas, using street plays as a catalyst for positive transformation.
Dhiren Pradhan: The Heat-Resistant Chip Pioneer
Not every big dream begins in a big city. Sometimes, it starts in a small shop on a dusty lane. In Naktideul village of Odisha’s Sambalpur district, the son of Dasarathi Pradhan quietly nurtured a dream much larger than his surroundings. While his father was struggling to keep the family afloat from a small shop, young Dhiren Kumar Pradhan grew up watching life’s struggles up close. But beyond the quiet of his village, he carried another rhythm — the rhythm of curiosity.
That rhythm has now carried him thousands of miles away, to one of the world’s most prestigious institutions — the Ivy League’s University of Pennsylvania in the United States. There, Dr. Dhiren Kumar Pradhan is leading pioneering research that has resulted in a breakthrough: the creation of a revolutionary computer chip capable of withstanding 1,000 degrees Celsius — a temperature hotter than Venus, the most unforgiving planet in our solar system
Dhiren’s journey is a story of grit and relentless pursuit of knowledge. Born and raised in Naktideul, a village surrounded by forests nearly 100 km from Sambalpur town, he began his education at the Naktideul Primary UP School and studied there until Class VII. He then moved to P.M. High School, Jagannath Prasad, where he showcased his brilliance by securing the first position in his Class X board exams.
Dr. Pradhan explained his team’s breakthrough — a ferroelectric diode chip made of aluminum scandium nitride (AlScN). At just 45 nanometers thick — nearly 1,800 times thinner than a strand of human hair — the chip can operate continuously for 60 hours at 1,000°C. Scientists have described it as “unprecedented,” noting that no memory device has ever endured such extremes before. “This chip is designed to handle extreme heat where no other memory device can survive. It opens up new frontiers for exploration and technology.
From a very small village and a poor family in Sambalpur’s Naktideul to the cutting-edge laboratories of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Dhiren Kumar Pradhan’s journey is a powerful reminder that dreams know no geography. With determination, the right guidance, and relentless curiosity, even the smallest beginnings can lead to discoveries that change the world.
