Rashmi Rekha Das, OP
Young Ananga Kumar Behera is doing his bit to make a difference in people’s lives.
For many years, Ananga Kumar Behera has nurtured a dream: of impacting people’s lives, educating them, and making India truly a better place. He was only in Class X when he led a team to repair a kuchha road leading to his school. Later,while pursuing the Plus II course, he once again formed a team to repair the road to his college, which was damaged due to waterlogging caused by incessant rain.From his schooldays, he has been working for the welfare of the people of his area, Ghanteswar. Now 22,he is training the unemployed to make them self-sufficient, counseling people against taking alcohol and organising workshops to impart technical knowledge to farmers. In a candid conversation with Orissa POST, Ananga shares his story.
Q. What motivated you to do social work?
Ans. My father, Khageswar Behera,is a social worker. I grew up seeing him working for hapless people, selflessly and with dedication. Be it in the dead of night or in the scorching heat of day, he helped anyone who came to him with problems. I was moved seeing how he was willing to shoulder responsibilities and thus made up my mind to work for the underprivileged people in the country. After graduation fromVN College, Jajpur, I moved to Bhubaneswar to pursue a master’s degree in social work because I felt it would allow me to pursue my passion for working to ensure social justice. After coming to Bhubaneswar,I spent time with several voluntary organisations to change the living conditions of the poor and underprivileged people. Apart from educating people living in slums, I worked to make people aware of issues like dropping out of school and alcoholism. I conduct workshops for farmers to train them in new technology which can be used to get good harvests. Besides, I distribute old toys and clothes –which are still in a good condition – among the needy.”
Q. What is the best compliment you have received so far?
A.The people of my village generally go to different places of the country to earn their livelihood. Concerned about this, I organised a workshop on mushroom cultivation, to show how it can generate employment. Eight persons have taken up mushroom cultivation after the workshop. Interestingly, they are now harvesting 20 kilos of mushrooms a month. I was overwhelmed when they thanked me for changing their lives remarkably.”
“I used to hold cleanliness drives in my village under the flagship programme,Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. A few friends from the village called me recently to inform me that they had organised a cleanliness drive in my absence. I felt happy that people have started realising the importance of cleanliness and are willing to take the initiative and act.”
Q. Do you have any regrets?
A. No regrets at all. I am bringing change in the lives of people. Why should I have any regrets? I am happy that at least four persons have stopped taking alcohol after my counselling. I have also been counselling women to be self-reliant. I would like to quote John F. Kennedy’s words:‘One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.’If everyone would chip in for the well-being of society, we would no longer have to use terms like ‘poor’ and ‘underprivileged’in our country.
More about Ananga…
Aim: To set up an orphanage and an old-age home
Inspiration: Father
Role model: Kailash Satyarthi
Favourite food: Traditional dishes Dahi Pakhala and Badhi Chura
Favourite place: Konark temple
