Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Jan 12: A counsellor at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Manaswini Parida’s job requires her to advise patients suffering from blood cancer and their families to not lose heart and fight the dreaded disease with courage. An unenviable job, 25-year-old Manaswini walks the extra mile by interacting with drug and alcohol addicts in slums in her free time.
In recognition of her contribution to society, Manaswini was felicitated at the National Youth Conference on the occasion of National Youth Day at the Centre for Youth and Social Development’s (CYSD) auditorium.
“The worst part of my job is not the fear of getting infected but losing people who become a part of your life. With their departure, it feels like a small part of you is taken away,” says Manaswini.
Som, a volunteer who was guiding visitors to the auditorium, spoke of how he relinquished his surname after the bloody Kandhamal riots. “Faith is a fundamental right and it cannot be imposed. After the communal conflict, I decided to relinquish my surname,” says Som who goes only by one name.
A lecturer by profession, Imran Ali was at CYSD Monday to participate in a panel discussion on communal harmony. He leads a group that works on spreading awareness on communal harmony and child rights. “Our group has no name, no office and no leader. We are like-minded people who have not lost belief in humanity yet,” said Ali.