As the year 2024 comes to a close, it’s easy to get caught up in the negativity that often dominates the headlines. But amidst the chaos, some individuals are working tirelessly behind the scenes to make a positive impact on their communities.
Ommcom News is proud to spotlight these unsung heroes, who embody the spirit of selflessness and inspire us to do our part for society. They are changemakers. From educators and environmentalists to healthcare workers and social entrepreneurs, these individuals have dedicated their lives to creating positive changes. They are the ones who show up every day, driven by a passion to make a difference, often without recognition or reward.
As we bid adieu to the year 2024, we take a moment to acknowledge the ordinary people doing extraordinary work to transform lives and communities.
Sushant Sahu: The Transformer of Kandalei
Sushant Sahu, a Bhubaneswar-based activist, stumbled upon Kandalei, a neglected hamlet near the state capital, in 2015.
Till 2016, Kandalei, a small hamlet located 15 kilometers from the state capital, was a picture of neglect and isolation. The tribal families residing there lived without the basic amenities that are considered essential in today’s world. He was shocked by the lack of development in the area, where tribal families lived without basic amenities like electricity, roads, schools, and clean drinking water. This experience left an indelible mark on him, and he knew he had to act.
In 2015, Sushant embarked on a mission to transform Kandalei. He started by building a school, providing children with a safe learning environment. He also worked tirelessly to install solar panels, bringing electricity to the hamlet. Today, Kandalei is a testament to Sushant’s determination and collective action. The hamlet has undergone a remarkable transformation, with residents now having access to basic amenities that have improved their quality of life.
Trilochan Beura: The Guardian Angel of Visually-Impaired Youths
Trilochan Beura, a resident of Daruthenga village, has dedicated his life to the well-being of visually impaired youths. As a coach to the state cricket, football, and chess teams for the visually-impaired, he has redefined life for children with disabilities. Trilochan’s passion for teaching and imparting sports training to blind children knows no bounds, and he does it all without expecting anything in return.
What drives Trilochan to extend a helping hand to differently-abled kids is the societal neglect and insensitivity they face. Having grown up with a physically handicapped brother, Trilochan has witnessed firsthand the impatience and irritation that people with disabilities often encounter. This experience sparked in him a desire to make a difference in their lives. After completing his graduation, Trilochan joined the National Association for the Blind to empower specially-abled individuals.
As an itinerant teacher, Trilochan travels to provide education to visually impaired children in their homes, preparing them for primary school education. He has taught over 100 students so far and continues to work tirelessly for their benefit. Trilochan’s dedication and selflessness have earned him a special place in the hearts of those he has touched, and his story serves as an inspiration to all.
Bhanupriya Rao: The Legacy Keeper
At a time when children become so selfish when it comes to their careers, Bhanupriya is an exception. She sacrificed her dream and ambition for the sake of her father.
Bhanupriya’s life took a dramatic turn when her father, D Prakash Rao, passed away due to COVID-19 in 2021. A hotel management graduate with a promising career ahead, she had to choose between chasing her dreams and honouring her father’s legacy. With a heart full of love and a spirit of selflessness, she chose the latter.
Bhanupriya’s father was a renowned social worker who had dedicated his life to providing free education to underprivileged children at his school, Asha O Ashwasana, in Cuttack. After his demise, Bhanupriya took it upon herself to carry forward his legacy. She sacrificed her own ambitions to run the school, providing quality education to countless children who needed it most.
He first operated from his two-room thatched house, with four children, where he provided them with food and education, completely free of cost. He used to educate 70 slum children starting from nursery to class IV. In 2019, he was awarded Padma Shri for his efforts to boost affordable education. Prakash Rao proved that even the humblest of beginnings can give rise to an extraordinary legacy, inspiring generations to come. And today his daughter Bhanupriya is carrying forward her father’s legacy with pride. By choosing to honour her father’s legacy, Bhanupriya has not only kept his memory alive but also created a brighter future for countless young minds.
Pratap Kumar Sahu: The Animal Lover
For the past three decades, Pratap Kumar Sahu has been selflessly feeding stray dogs and birds in Bhubaneswar, earning him a reputation as a compassionate animal lover. Despite not having a high-paying job, the 50-year-old Salepur-born resident makes it a point to provide for the birds and animals every day, driven by his conviction that they play a vital role in maintaining environmental balance.
Pratap’s daily routine involves distributing pulses, wheat, and mustard seeds to birds, while stray dogs receive roti, boiled rice, and other food items. Undeterred by extreme weather conditions, he ensures that the animals are fed regularly. His dedication stems from the belief that a balanced ecosystem is crucial for the planet’s survival, and that every creature, no matter how big or small, contributes to the delicate harmony of nature.
Pratap emphasizes that humans must learn to coexist with animals, recognizing their equal rights to the planet. He laments the loss of natural habitats due to urbanization, highlighting the need for humans to take responsibility for the well-being of other species. Through his selfless actions, Pratap sets an inspiring example of compassion and environmental stewardship.
Himanshu Sekhar Nayak: The Green Warrior
Himanshu Sekhar Nayak, a senior manager at a prestigious private bank, has made a remarkable impact on the environment. Despite his demanding career, he has been steadfast in his commitment to environmental conservation for the past decade. Hailing from Gomundia in Puri district’s Krushnaprasad block, Himanshu has come a long way from his humble farming roots.
Himanshu’s passion for sustainability has led him to plant an impressive 70,000 trees, 94,000 palm seeds, and 100,000 neem seeds across Odisha and Chhattisgarh. He allocates 20% of his monthly salary and 50% of his annual bonus towards plantation and awareness initiatives. Himanshu also dedicates two hours every day to environmental activities, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to creating a sustainable future.
Through his initiatives, Himanshu aims to create a significant impact on the environment. This year, he has already planted 13,000 palm trees, and his goal is to reach 1 lakh palm trees by the end of 2024. Himanshu’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, and he has become a social media influencer and influential speaker on environmental protection, conducting awareness camps in schools, colleges, villages, and communities.
Subham Kumar Rout: The Reptile Rescuer
Subham Kumar Rout, a 29-year-old wildlife warrior and reptile rescuer, has dedicated his life to protecting the planet’s most vulnerable creatures. Since childhood, Subham was fascinated by the natural world, spending hours exploring the forests and fields surrounding his hometown. His love for wildlife, particularly reptiles, only deepened with time. Despite his family’s pressure to pursue a conventional career, Subam’s passion for wildlife conservation continued to burn bright. He initially reluctantly acquiesced, putting his dreams on hold while working in the engineering world. However, he soon found himself feeling unfulfilled and restless.
The call of the wild grew louder, and Subam knew he couldn’t ignore it forever. Taking a leap of faith, Subam decided to follow his passion and reignite his work in reptile rescue and wildlife conservation. The results are astonishing – he has successfully rescued over 10,000 reptiles, solidifying his position as a leading figure in wildlife conservation. His tireless efforts have inspired countless others to join the fight for environmental preservation, serving as a testament to the power of unrelenting dedication.
