Berhampur: Valentine’s Day is the day to spread love. While people are spending time with their loved ones this Valentine’s Week, a youth of Berhampur University has been celebrating it in a unique manner.
Along with his friends, Ratikant Behera, a first year Library Science student, has been selling roses on Gopalpur Beach and other areas to raise money for orphan children. What could be nobler than doing something for the society and the orphans, he quips when asked about his noble deed.
Taking time out of his study hours, he goes around selling red roses. He has decided to donate the money for the betterment of the orphaned kids at Berhampur-based Utkal Bala Ashram.
Behera has been doing this from the first day of Valentine’s Week (February 6). He does not return home until all his roses are sold for the day.
“It isn’t an easy task. Often people mistake it as a publicity stunt. But, I’m doing it for a noble cause. I wanted to do something for the orphans and there can’t be a better idea than this. It is the time of love and I want to spread love with the orphans,” Behera said. He also encourages youths to take out time for the poor, needy, beggars.
“We spend time with our loved ones every day. Why can’t we take some time for the poor and orphans,” he adds. When asked how he got the noble idea, he said, “I see poor boys begging every day. I was moved and wanted to do something for them.”
Till now, he has sold more than 70 roses. Many people have been inspired by him and appreciated Behera’s efforts. “He is doing a great job. Everyone must follow him,” a youth who bought a flower from him said.
PNN
