I come from a lower-middle-class family, and my father was an exceptional and
dedicated teacher whose passion for teaching surpassed all other aspects of his life.
His unwavering commitment to education left an indelible mark on me, igniting a
profound desire within me to follow in his footsteps. I fervently hoped to fulfil my
aspirations by becoming a teacher who could inspire students to embark on a
relentless pursuit of knowledge, enabling them to discern truth from deception.
My journey in the realm of teaching has been a heartfelt endeavour to impart not
only the prescribed curriculum but also to transcend those boundaries. I took the
lead in numerous extracurricular activities, guiding my students to develop a
fondness for art and literature. My aim was to rouse the dormant spirits within their
young and impressionable minds, nurturing their intellectual growth and fostering a
lifelong love for learning.
From my childhood days, I've held a deep fascination for composing poems. This
passion only grew stronger during my school and college years, as I found immense
joy in delving into the works of accomplished poets and writers, both classical and
contemporary. The writings of luminaries such as Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Browny,
Keats, Tagore, Amrita Pritam, and many others have stirred profound emotions
within me.
My heart swells with delight whenever I see my poems grace the pages of magazines
and periodicals. Over the past three decades, I've been honoured and celebrated by
various prominent literary platforms and organizations in Odisha. The pinnacle of
recognition came in 2019 when the Odisha Sahitya Academy felicitated me for two of
my poetry publications, namely " ସମୁଦ୍ରର ସ୍ ବପ୍ ନ " and "ନୀଡ଼କୁ ଫେରିବା ଫବଳ." This accolade
served as a powerful source of inspiration, propelling my literary journey beyond the
bounds of imagination.
My poems serve as a testament to the importance of eternal vigilance. Triumph is not
attainable without enduring struggles and battles, and this struggle is vividly
reflected in my verses. My poems resound with the echoes of social upheaval,
conveying the idea that personal growth often emerges from enduring hardships.
The path to success is not only steep but also filled with thorns. This is a profound
lesson I've learned throughout my life's journey.
My quest for perfection will endure until my last breath. I'm reminded of Robert
Frost's enduring words:
"The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
These words serve as a constant reminder that, despite the allure of tranquillity and
reflection, I have commitments to fulfil and a long journey ahead before I can find
my rest