Serving With Smile: The ICH Way

 During his last visit to Ramagundam while reviewing the performance and progress of NTPC-Ramagundam and Telangana project, Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD-NTPC spoke on the significance of job satisfaction, punctuality and commitment. He added that many reputed institutions across the globe have elaborated on the attributes in details and the same has been exemplified by many organisations irrespective of their size and scale of operations. One such cooperative society that has underscored such a level of unflinching commitment from the time they have commenced operations is Indian Coffee House or ICH. 

ICH has been managing the catering and hospitality across NTPC stations for past four decades. The ICH staff in white uniform and the turban is a familiar sight across every NTPC site. Their cordial behaviour and the service with a smile has been the hallmark of their pursuit towards excellence on service. Besides serving to different organizations, at present, ICH is serving across 58 plant & office canteens and 78 Guest Houses, Field Hostels and ET Hostels across NTPC operations with a strength of 3455 people. 

At Ramagundam, ICH has been associated for past three decades and there has been no looking back since then. Today, ICH with 139 staff is providing services at Plant Canteen, Administrative Building canteen, Telangana Project Canteen, Field Hostel, ET Hostel, Guest House and one eatery point in township – Satbahan Restaurant. Over the years, they have created a niche in the segment and is a popular choice for the nearby people for catering.

 Such is the long and mutual relationship that ICH is always ready to go the extra mile to serve NTPC better. “For us, it does not matter whether it is normal time or critical times like disaster or pandemic. Work matters most,” says Shri P S Karthikeyan, AGM, ICH-Ramagundam. While associating with NTPC, ICH becomes an integral part of the company’s culture. He further added, “We understand the dynamics of business where NTPC operates its business and the demand of 24x7 service. Today, we feel privileged and proud to be associated with the leading power sector player of the nation.” 

Ever since Covid-19 started spreading in India, ICH stood firmly behind. Being in the service sector, where their staffs are exposed to thousands of employees and contract workers, ICH understands the significance of safety in these trying times. It has introduced a slew of safety protocols for its employees so that they can remain protected from getting infected. The commitment towards personal hygiene and work ethics has again proved their mettle. “Our continuous focus on hygiene, use of PPE kits and regular supervision from the management helped us to remain fit for work. Further, owing our work, we are supposed to move across places within a boundary by different means to serve food, so it is imperative for us to remain physically fit,” said Shri M I Benny, DGM, ICH-Ramagundam.

Support from their top management coupled with long fruitful association with NTPC boosted the morale of the ICH staff. Not only are the senior ICH officials, even the staffs, who are involved in catering are in good spirit amidst the situation. Shri K K Sajimon, Senior Chief Supervisor at NTPC-Ramagundam ICH with over 33 years experience in ICH and having served at NTPC-Korba and Ramagundam exclaimed that he never felt far from his home (Kerala). “I got all required services and support both from ICH and NTPC. I feel at home. I cannot run away from the problem. I want to serve even during this critical period, while taking all precautions,” Shri Sajimon added. Echoing similar view, Shri D Sunil Kumar, Cook at NTPC-Ramagundam, ICH with more than 22 Years experience at ICH said, he lives happily with his family (spouse and two daughters) and always feels at home. He further said, “I get all medical supports from ICH and NTPC and have a very good relationship with all the concerned. I am sure, in case of any difficulties, ICH and NTPC will come forward to help me.”

Despite the Covid disruption, if NTPC continues its service 24x7, how ICH people can keep away themselves, asks  Shri Karthikeyan. With such strong supports from allies like ICH, even Covid-19 cannot stop NTPC to serve the nation.

Powering the Fight against COVID-19

Powering the Fight against COVID-19

American Politician Rahm Emanuel has put it aptly that “You never let a serious crisis go to waste. And what I mean by that it’s an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before.” This is sure that the COVID-19 crisis will pass and what distinguishes one country with others is the way it handled issues like Social, Economic, Technological, Environmental, and the Web/App based education and Work from Home.

Despite being superior among all the living animals and having vast experience in crisis management, the NOVEL CORONAVIRUS has brought us to the ground and confined to the limits of home. The impact of the virus is so omnipresent that every sphere of human life has affected drastically. Besides taking around 1.17 lakh lives and affecting around 18.48 lakh people across the globe (as on 15.04.2020, Source WHO.int), the virus brought plethora of changes which require out of box solutions.

 Today, more than 200 countries around the world are affected by COVID-19.  The infectious virus is a great leveler and does not discriminate countries on the basis of development, healthcare infrastructure, Urban-rural divide or gender.  To counter Covid-19, many countries including India enacted complete lockdown with exception to most vital services.  Among the essentials, electricity generation is one. The power industry continues to do what it does best by providing electricity 24X7/365. Doctors, Nurses, fire fighter, police officials and public service professionals tend to get most recognition as Frontier Warriors, as they deserve, but the employees who keep the lights on deserve praise too. Often termed as thankless job, consumption and reliable electricity indicates human development. Further, the reliable electricity is one of the most critical services which often needed by the other heroes to perform their duty.

The huge disruption caused by the COVID-19 crisis has highlighted how much modern societies rely on electricity. While in normal situation, domestic, agriculture and industrial use surge demand for electricity; in lockdown scenario the demand surges from new areas as crores of people are confined to homes and resorting to Work from Home as well as streaming video platform to find entertainment. A reliable and 24x7 uninterrupted power supply underpins all these services. Needless to say the growing demand due to scorching summer both for domestic and healthcare sector.

Despite the increased use of digital technologies in electricity systems, the coronavirus has also reminded us at essential role of skilled personnel.  It is basically labour intensive sector in India where workers and engineers have to do the work on site. It’s every single Indian’s life that counts the most, of course. As PM Modi said in his national address — “Jaan hai to jahan hai (if there’s life, then there’s the world)”. The crisis also underlined sufficient backup of skilled manpower as well as physical assets and raw materials.

It’s during times like these NTPC’ s virtues of being the leading power producer with pan-India presence, a Great Place to Work and Responsible Corporate Citizen really tested and put under the scanner. When faced with existential crisis or an external war-like situation, India always fights back as unified being. NTPC has pitched in to shore up the national fight against COVID-19 by supplying uninterrupted and reliable power, ensuring best workplace facilities both for its employees and contract workers and as responsible corporate citizen contributed Rs. 250 crores to PM-CARES Fund. Add to this, NTPC employees have contributed their one-day's salary amounting to Rs 7.5 crore. Further, Rs 11 crore is being spent additionally for undertaking protective measures at various locations throughout the country.

In tandem with respective local administration, NTPC units have come forward in strengthening infrastructure to fight COVID-19, providing PPEs and medical equipment, Sanitizers, etc. Further, each unit is sanitizing its premises and township, creating awareness in and around the plants, distributing essential grocery items among migrant workers and nearby people, conducting medical camps and many more.

Our united efforts for well being of humanity will be not wasted. Our sincere efforts and dedication will bring India again on its prosperous path. NTPC does its beat by Powering the fight against COVID-19 and we take great pride for our efforts in this crisis by Powering India, emPowering People.

By Sahadev Sethi, Mgr (Corp Comm), NTPC-Ramagundam

Powering India, emPowering Girls

Beyond its core area of powering the nation through electric generation, NTPC has come forward in empowering girls through its pan-India Girl Empowerment Mission programme.

Just imagine a girl studying in class VI from a Govt School near NTPC-Ramagundam is having a serious discussion with the resource persons on Life Skills and Interpersonal Relationship.  Ten years back, such discussions were limited to Graduate /PG students or may be students from Private Schools in Metros were exposed to such things. But today, thanks to NTPC’s CSR Initiative through Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM) programme, girls from Govt Schools in the age group of 10-12 from nearby villages of the plants are facilitated to empower.

As part of the four-week residential programme, NTPC-Ramagundam conducting GEM from May 02-29, 2019 wherein 120 girls from Govt Schools of nearby villages registered. Always concerned for overall development of the nearby villagers, this GEM programme exclusively focused on empowering girls through a well-planned curriculum. It all started with the baseline survey to develop the customized curriculum, a combination of acdemic and extracurricular activities, that best suits the local girls. Aware Group, an NGO from Hyderabad, has been roped in as nodal agency to deploy resource persons to impart the training.

 NTPC-Ramagundam has provided all facilities like personal use items, accommodation, food, clothing, Uniform, regular health checkup, security, etc so that girls will feel at home even though they are away from their home. To further instill a sense of confidence and rather we can say to create belongingness, NTPC employees and Deepthi Mahila Samithi members regularly visited the workshop to further motivate them. Even CMD-NTPC Shri Gurdeep Singh; RED-South Shri D K Dubey; ED-Ramagundam/Telangana Dr P P Kulkarni and other senior officials visited the GEM workshop and interacted the girls besides motivating them to achieve their goal.

Today (26.05.19), even after 24 days of stay at GEM workshop, J Sahasra, Class-V from MPPS-Gandhipark, Godavarikhani does not feel any homesick. “I am enjoying the food and facilities here. I am comfortable with other girls even though they are from different schools. We do our team work and enjoy the extracurricular activities like Public Speaking, Yoga, Dance, etc.” I will share the good things learned here to my classmates once I return to my school, she added. 

 But she is not the only girl who is engaged in extracurricular activities.  Like her, while few are busy with Arts & Craft, some are engrossed with Yoga and few others in sports. There are many who are enjoying the movies screening, dance and music, while few others learning the intricacies of self-defense.  However, most of them do not miss to attend the awareness classes on Good Touch, Bad Touch, Personal Hygiene and Gender diversity issues which are very important for them in their journey for empowerment.  

Girls are so impressed with the curriculum and the method of teaching that they do not forget to appreciate NTPC and the resource persons. “Our day starts with Yoga followed by Boost Energy drinking and Breakfast. All the required items for us are easily available. The teaching staff, the support staff, the catering staff and others are very supportive. We never felt far from our home. Further, the academic exposure with extracurricular activities make things fun,” says T. Rachana, Class-VI, MPPS, Ramagundam who excelled in drawing and wants to be a teacher in future.

So motivated after the exposure classes, the girls are now setting big goals for themselves. “I wanted to be a doctor.  It is core to my heart. Whatever I learned here will definitely help me in future especially the awareness classes on Good Touch, Bad Touch, Personal Hygiene and Gender issues. I did well in Arts & Crafts by making of Teddy bear,” expressed T. Rankita, Class-VI from MPPS, Pedampet. Echoing similar positive influence, Arshiya Begum, Class-V from MPPS Shantinagar says she improved her sports skills in Shuttle besides learning the intricacies of Arts & Crafts in Clay Molding, Candle Making, etc. Aspiring to be a teacher, she says whatever we are learning here will help us during our college days.

The GEM programme at Ramagundam is coming to end on May 29 even though the girls are in no mood to leave the workshop. But the learning will remain forever and will help the girls in their Personality Development. After all, this programme aims at helping them to identify their area of interest and work on it to further improve.

Besides Ramagundam, other projects of NTPC throughout the country conducting the Girl Empowerment Mission with an objective of transforming the society in which equal opportunities of growth can be suitably provided to girls so that they can co-exist with their counterparts by contributing equally in the growth of the society.

                     By Sahadev Sethi, Manager (Corporate Communications), NTPC-Ramagundam

Resilience in the face of Adversity

Resilience in the face of Adversity

NTPC is just not a Company, it is a culture: NTPCian. Proud to be part of such culture that promotes egalitarianism. When I close my eyes, the dominant cerulean blue comes to my mind and it reminds its significance contribution in nation building for the last 42 years. Like a spot-less moon, it is providing light to more than one fourth of Indians every day, and eventually powers the nation and empowers the people.

The Unchahar incident may be a black spot in the glowing face of NTPC, but it CAN’T undermine its significance. After the untoward incident, NTPCians did not give up, they bounced back stronger than before. This resilience is in their culture. There is no dearth of technology and engineering skills, but it is the NTPCians who make the difference.

This resilience is not merely confined to adapting the worsening circumstances from mechanical point of view, but equally important is the way the affected people were taken care. True to its spirit of “People before Plant Load Factor”, NTPC took all possible measures both for the affected employees and for contract workers. 

NTPCians may be scattered pan-India, but they share their emotion freely and feel connected. Geographically, Ramagundam may be 1037 KM away from Unchahar, but the November 1, 2017 incident equally affected Team Ramagundam. They felt the pain, prayed for the deceased families, but most importantly, they continued their work. Engaged with the nation building services like Power Generation, how they keep themselves away from the work? This is the beauty of this organisation. Something good or bad happens in a North India based station of NTPC and you will find the joy or sorrow in its South India based plant.

Further connecting their emotion in real time, the Social Media worked as an enabler. I have seen thousands of comments, most for a good cause: appreciation for the good works and countering the negativism. It has been rightly said that when you are faced with adversity, learning potential is enhanced by relationship. The social media platform provided an opportunity to the far-away NTPCians to be virtually with the Team Unchahar. Researchers say that high quality of relationships are especially important for resilience. During this period, connectivity is a vital tool because it enables to seize possibilities and create new ways to increase the capacity to bounce back from crisis and thus increasing capability. I foresee, a resilient Team NTPC which is known for its “Can Do” spirit.

  

By: Sahadev Sethi, Mgr (PR), NTPC-Ramagundam

Bhutan Beckons

For a few people, adventure of Bhutan is high in their agenda, and for others it’s the culture. Indeed, Bhutan has best of both worlds which can satiate the appetite of an avid traveler. But for me, everything was mind-boggling starting from adventure to culture, monastery to handicraft, cuisine to sightseeing.

Remained unknown to the rest of the world until the mid 20th century, Bhutan, the tiny land-locked Himalayan kingdom, is credited to successfully retain its ancient culture, arts and religious and political traditions despite having two great neighbours - India and China. Besides, the country is rich in natural environment, and to keep it intact, the government has adopted a controlled tourism and development policy. The Royal Government of Bhutan adheres strongly to policy of low impact/volume, high value tourism. But recently, as a long-term plan, the department of tourism has changed its slogan from ‘high value, low volume’ to ‘high value, low negative impact’.

I, in capacity as Reporter for Tashi Delek, the in-flight magazine of Druk Air from Bhutan, alongwith my colleague Pankaj, Marketing manager, started our five-day tour on December 12, 2005 from Delhi. Our company arranged tickets for us in Druk Air, the national carrier of Bhutan that connects the country with other countries. Around this time Bhutan is visited by few travelers due to severe cold.

Watching Everest without climbing!
After four hours delay, our plane–KB-205 took off from Delhi via Kathmandu at 1200 hrs. The delay was due to the bad weather in Kathmandu. It was a normal incident in winter season in this route. I was not worried about the delay, but worried about the possibility of not clearly watching Everest. But fortunately, after few minutes of our journey, the sky got rid of the cloud and fog. The sky is now clear. I could watch the mountain range for kilometers. Out of curiosity, I asked my friend Pankaj to give me the window seat. He could not say no to my interest. From then, it’s fabulous. The sight is something I can never forget. In between, the cabin crew announced, that we are approaching Mt. Everest. Suddenly, all passengers got ready with their cameras to click the snow-capped peak. For me it was an experience of life time. I could know that I can not express the scenic beauty of Everest in my limited vocabulary, so I clicked as many as possible in the hope that atleast these photos can express what my limited word power could not.

Normally, tourists visit other countries to watch the tourist destinations. But here, the journey itself provides a great pleasure to watch some of the highest mountain peaks in the word. It’s probably the closet one can see Mt. Everest without actually climbing it! It’s not the Everest only which fascinates one and all, in fact, K2, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Chhomolhari, Makalu peaks and the whole mountain range are worth to watch.

Small is beautiful. But it added one more adjective to this cliché – personal care. Yes, I am telling about Druk Air. Matching the scenic beauty, the airline, though small in size, serves drinks, refreshment and lunch. Their personalized service in flight will remind you the hospitality of Bhutanese.

After a journey of around two hours, we reached at Paro airport which is surrounded by high mountains, and is located deep in the valley. The landing was an experience in itself, as landing in such a small airways needs special efforts from the pilots. Passengers’ clapping, I guess, was in recognition to pilots’ effort and the exuberance of landing in the land of the Thunder Dragon.

Paro - The first and last place for a visitor
Being the only airport of the country, Paro is normally the first and last place for a visitor. There is a popular saying about Paro: If ever a place exists where nature and man consulted to create their dearest image, it must be the valley of Paro. The major attractions of Paro valley are the silvery Paro river, majestic Paro Dzong, imposing Ta Dzong (watch tower) and snow-capped mountain range. Here, on a clear day one can get the view of Mt Chhomolhari.

Paro valley is one of the most populated areas of the state. Because of its close proximity to the airport and as a major tourist attraction point, there are some good hotels on either sides of the Paro river. After an overnight stay at Holiday Home, we started our journey to Thimphu next morning.

Paro to Thimphu: watch the country in a nutshell
Distance 55 KM. Driving time two hours. The journey on the narrow and snaky road through the hills and valleys along the snaky Paro river is something different from our normal journey on the Highway. The awe-inspiring vales, mountain chain, dense forest, deep gorges, blind curves, verdant slopes, the distance snow-capped mountains and savannahs made our driving adventurous, yet enjoyable.

After one hour driving on our way to Thimphu, we reached at Chuzom which means the meeting of two rivers – Paro and Thimphu chhu. While the driver was reporting to the security personnel at the check gate, we watched for a few moments the beautiful scenery at Chuzom.

Besides its pristine beauty, one can see smiling people in their traditional dress in both sides of the road. The unified housing structure along the road sides with marvelous woodwork shows their workmanship. The scattered house on the valley along the river sides amidst natural setting are fist to the eyes.

Around 1.30 pm, we reached at Thimphu and checked in to Hotel Dragon Roots near the clock tower. After a sumptuous lunch, I visited Kuensel Corporation Ltd that publishes the country’s national newspaper - Kuensel.

Thimphu – welcome to one of the smallest Capitals
The view of the valley-based Thimphu city which lies at an altitude of about 7,600ft is wonderful. Its housing structures, roads, people with traditional costumes and fascinating tiny shops will take you back into the medieval age. Here, both the medieval charms and 21st century developments coexist beautifully. And, this uniqueness is its hallmark.

Being a small city with population around 50,000, most of the tourist attractions in the city are within walking distance. The central location of my hotel helped me visit most of the important places by walking. The roads were not jammed and the day temperature was pleasant to walk. The interesting fact about Bhutan is that there are no traffic lights! Pollution is not a problem at all. Of course, evening was chilled with flowing wind and the night temperature was something around minus three/four degree Celsius.

While in the Capital don’t miss to visit…
Situated in the centre of the city, the Textile Museum is the symbol of great textile culture. The museum houses Bhutan’s finest woven embroidery and appliqué textiles alongwith age-old production techniques like weaving, dying and spinning.

The National Library is another place one should not miss. Established in 1967, the library preserves ancient Bhutanese written and printed resources. Today, it preserves history of Bhutan in archaic texts.

Get the glimpses of Bhutanese art and craft at Arts & Craft School. It is here the techniques of traditional thagkha paintings are imparting to keep its age-old charms in textiles, painting and handicraft. Not far from the Arts & Craft School is the Folk Heritage Museum which provides insight into classical Bhutanese lifestyle displaying original artefacts. To make your visit a memorable one, do purchase small gift items from Druktrin Rural Handicrafts which has a wide range of collection.

Memorial Chorten, Trashichhodzong, Simtokha Dzong, Traditional Medicine College, Weekly Market and many more are places one traveler should not miss. These places show the culture, tradition, art &craft of the country.


Advantage being an Indian
From the dates of Padmasambhava in 8th century AD to present days, India has a very good relation with Bhutan. At cultural and religious level, both countries share some similarities. The Indo-Bhutan Treaty in 1949 further strengthened the relation between the two countries. On this historical background, Indians feel at home while visiting the Himalayan kingdom. Besides, an Indian does not need Passport to visit Bhutan. Voter Identity Card is enough in this regards. Other major advantages are language, currency and dishes. Most of the people can understand Hindi. Hindi movie, serial and song are of great hit among locale. Indian currency is widely in use, no need to convert it to Nu (Bhutanese currency). Everywhere one can find Indian dishes. Besides Indian cuisine, the mouth-watering Bhutanese dishes like Ema/Kewa Datshi and Shamu Datshi are connoisseur’s delight. Ema Datshi, the national dish, is a traditional delight of chilli & cheese/potato & cheese. Its flavour will satiate the appetite for local dishes. We got a standard Ema Datshi @ Nu 50 at our hotel. Shamu Datshi, another popular traditional delight, is made up of cheese & mushroom, and is widely available @ Nu 70.

But what made special to our staying at the hotel is the personal care of the staff. Chief cook Aslam and staff members Durga, Das and B. N. Sharma made every effort to satisfy our taste for food. Aslam and Das are being Indian; they know our taste and serve accordingly. And we never felt outside of our home country. The dish that is similar to Indian Khechidi prepared by Aslam was worth to remember.

Above all, the Bhutanese hospitality will make you feel comfort starting from your arrival to departure. In short I can say: The business tour ultimately turned into a pleasure tour for me.

The missing coconut tree

The other day, I have arranged painting competitions for employees’ children from class one to ten. This is a routine painting competition held in the run up to New Year where the best painting selected for Greeting Cards. This year there was no theme though the cad size defined to 5” X 7”. It was pleasant to look at their creation. All the paintings were so aesthetically prepared that they will give run to the professionals. Colour combination was superb. Concept-wise, these paintings are very relevant. I was just thinking of my schooldays and the way I used to paint. I was just comparing painting of our time, the colour combination and themes to those of NTPC Childrens’ painting.

My early schooldays’ memories at my village school are still fresh in my mind. I still remember how my school teacher Late Shri Dandpani Jena taught paintings. He jovially asks, ‘Pile patra sahita gotia ambar chitra kaar’. (Children, do paint a mango alongwith leaf.) And within 15 to 20 minutes, we all painted on our mud slate using white chokes. That was fun. It is like a popular adv: Budu kaua kabhi colourful hota he kiya. But at our school, we used to make mango white. Few other popular things that we used to paint regularly irregular in our UP schooldays are: Ladder, boat, pot, tree, fish and household things. He never asked to paint Train, Airplane, Industry, etc. May be my teacher wanted us to paint those things which we are very much exposed or things that are part of our (rural) culture.

During our ME schooldays things changed little. In class Seven there was a separate paper in painting containing 50 marks. On every Saturday there was period dedicated for painting. My literature teacher Shri Prakash Chnadra Rath was in charge of painting class. Here, actually we started painting on paper and used colour pencil. Here again, themes are mostly related to our lifestyle, culture and surrounding. Themes like Bullock Cart, Saree Border, Scenery, Jhoti, thatched house, etc. As most of us hail from agrarian family, we are very close to bullock cart. Except one or two, most of us have thatched house. In every Odiya house, there are thirteen festivals in twelve months and houses were decorated with Jhotis especially in the month of Margsir. The scenic paintings are close to our heart and reflected the surroundings. Fortunately, my village is surrounded with mountains, forest, river, stream, ponds and green rice fields. For a nature lover, it is a perfect village. As a typical scenic painting, our scenic painting contained mountain range, sunrise/sunset, stream, two/three coconut trees, hamlet, birds, tube well and muddy road. After class seven there is no sincere effort to learn the intricacy of painting. Virtually, it came to an end. In fact, I am not good in painting.

Looking at the paintings of NTPC children, I was so pleased that I cannot keep myself praising their effort to bring out such a nice copy. Their themes cover almost all relevant issues be it environment, animal, pollution, safety, save earth, save electricity, health, cleanliness, and, of course, the scenery. However, the interesting thing I have noticed in a scenic painting was: Telephone Tower/Mobile Tower.

Instead of coconut tree, the scenic painting was filled with Mobile tower. It is not her fault. What she has seen/observed that reflected in her painting. She spent her life in urban area and watched these high-rising mobile towers. In fact, today every town and rural area is crowded with mobile tower.

This is the change. Though, it is not visible but making inroad into our life, culture and day to day activities. It is not the Coconut tree Vs Mobile tower, in fact there are so many things changed in the last two decades. May be it is the difference of Our times and Theirs times.

An opportunity that changed my life & thinking

History is full of evidence of how a decision that changed one’s life, thinking and course of action. For me it is not the decision but the opportunity which I could not say ‘NO’. Whether it is a decision or opportunity, I am leaving this debate for others to decide. For me this is a subjective issue.

The opportunity (not decision) was: Appointment to the post of Asst. PRO at NTPC Limited. It was not a surprise offer. In fact, I appeared the test and interview. You can say it was concerted effort. Admit. The reason was very simple. After working for three and half years as journalist in the capacity of Proofreader, Reporter and Sub Editor, I could not achieve the level I wanted to be – both in career and financial point of view. I am not blaming it to others. I introspected a lot, and zeroed in on that with better schooling and pronunciation in English, I could have achieved that rather easily. I did have many opportunities but could not capitalize. No regret. Happy! where I am now. However, by saying this I do want to put any break on my efforts to achieve further excellence.

With the slow progress in Journalism career coupled with lucrative financial offer attached with executive post at NTPC is the reason why I left media job. In fact, I was not in the mainline journalism. Before joining the top ranked Power PSU, I was in a publication house in Delhi that publishes a range of travel magazines. The journey from Berhampur University to Delhi and subsequently from one private organization to another and finally to a sarakari organization is full of ups and downs.

My First Job:

When all were busy in watching the Final match of Cricket World Cup between India and Australia on March 25, 2003, I started my journey to Delhi in search of a job in social science and/or journalism. Thanks to Rashmi Ranjan Parida. Had he not called me in time I would have visited Mumbai where my elder brother was working in a private firm. I can’t forget Rashmi’s help during my early days. Both of us applied at TechBook International. I cleared, Rashmi could not. The cruel joke: may be TechBook wanted Rashmi in higher level. Now he is there as Content Writer. That is destiny.

Within one week after my arrival, I started my career as a Proofreader at TechBook International in Delhi with monthly salary of Rs 5000. I have to proof many pages in hard copy in a single day that too in American English with Chicago manual style in reference to 10th Edition of Webster Dictionary. The standard of accuracy is well above 98%. As proof reader, I learned many things. I do not want to share all but one thing sure – the command over punctuation and the eye for details.

In the meantime, I got UGC-NET result in Political Science which I appeared in December 2002. Had the result published before my arrival in Delhi, I would have stayed at home and joined a college as a Lecturer. But the opportunity I got to visit Delhi and subsequent private job changed my destiny. So I could not carried out my childhood job – lecturer.

There is a small story why I always wanted to be lecturer. When I was in my Upper Primary school period (Class 1 – V) with my two other brothers, we used to be scolded by our mother. During those early days we were going through a tough period as my parents were struggling to provide basic requirement to their children. My father always wanted us to be literate while my mother as bonded labour (halia). She has an argument - if we three will work in others’ field we will be richer by getting some annual remuneration. Children of X, Y, Z studied IA, BA selling their landed property but now they are working as labour in Bhabanagar and Surat (Gujrat). You three are also no exception, she reasons. Her question – can you be a lecturer by studying? As she knows lecturer is the only highest paid job. In fact, Shri Narasingh Daini of our village (Nistipur, Ganjam) is a lecturer and living with comfort. Shri Daini is a visible figure for others as far as job is concerned. So despite all odds, since my childhood I always wanted to be a lecturer. I was closer to get it. I did well reasonably in PG Pol. Science by securing first class first. And with reservation background I could have easily got it. But destiny has something in store like man proposes God disposes.

After PG Pol. Science I joined journalism. The joining of Journalism course is again matter of opportunity/decision issue. Vijay (Krishna) and me are very good friends staring from our O Level computer course. Again the joining of O Level course is an opportunity. We got it free of cost. One day suddenly both of us decided to apply for journalism and we got it with reasonably high ranking.

Leave the topic of why I wanted to be a lecturer. Come to my first job. After working for ten months with full of efforts, I found I am not adding any value to my existing knowledge. Doing the same thing everyday like a machine. This is not what I expected (continuous learning) from my work. So one day I decided to resign. By that time I had some balance and now I can survive for at least two/three months even if I will not get a job. In fact, I was quite confident that I can get a job. However, leaving of the job was pathetic. Above all, it is like pehela pyaar and pehela naukri! But now I am happy that I helped some of my friends getting job at TechBook by telling the nuances of proofing and editing.

Within one week of leaving TechBook, I joined a travel magazine as reporter. But left the organization on the issue of byline and credit line. So I am not counting this as my second job. Now the search for second job continued. It continued for three months. Appeared many interviews, cleared written test in many, failed some in interview, rejected on pronunciation but the effort was still on. That is why Rajesh and Sitansu are joking at me - “If you want address of any media organization then ask Sahadev Bhai”. Even during this period, I tried my hand in development sector, another area where I really like to work. I was very close to get the job in PRAYASH and a Kiran Bedi run NGO in Jamuna Pusta area of Delhi. But I never got an OPPORTUNITY to show my caliber in development organization. Again it is a matter of destiny. I have gone through a lot of trauma of sitting ideal at home. The thing I learn out of this: Never leave your present job irrespective of good or bad until you get a good break. The bottom line - are you in job or not considerably influence your bargaining power.

My Second Job:

One day all of sudden I got a mail from Vikram Bhatnagar, as we know him one of the best double trap shooters in the country. He is the proprietor cum editor of the Magazine - Precision Shooting. I appeared the test and interview. He was highly impressive of my editing and offered the job on the spot for reporter cum sub editor @ Rs 7000 per month. Without any second thought I joined very next day.

I was the one man army there. I have to look after stories, advertisement and circulation. I had a great time there until one Rajan Kumar, a senior journalist, joined there to start an adventure sports magazine. He is tough master. Though good in pampering he is a very good writer having more than 25 years experience. One day he complained to the Editor that Sahadev does not know the basic of grammar and writing. He can’t write word ‘Competition’ properly. The next day the editor called me and said do not take it other way. Be positive. I know how good you are. I am not expelling you, he told me.

The complain urged me to improve further. I asked Mr Kumar how to improve writing skill. He said that no body can help you in improving your writing. It is the YOU who can help yourself. Just follow a simple thing: write everyday one page for 100 days. On 101st day write the same topic you wrote on the first day. Now you compare you will find the difference. The moment you can improve your own copy….believe me you are good enough in writing. I did the same religiously. Now I do not know whether I am good enough in writing. Un/fortunately I could not associate with Mr Kumar as he left the organization. After few months, I also left the organization. One thing I learned during this period is: expressing my thoughts in writing. Again before leaving the organization, I helped Sitansu to replace me. I worked for one and half years there and it was a nice experience in shooting sports as I got an opportunity to meet almost all the BIG shooters of India. In the mean time I got an offer from Durga Das Publication to join as Sub Editor. This time I got the offer when I was in job so I bargained some extent.

My Third Job:

Unlike my earlier media organizations, here at Durga Das Publication there are around 50 employees. There is no one man army. There is a hierarchy. Stories should go through proper channel. There are beat reporter who file stories. There are seven people in desk including me. Initially, I was looking after editing at preliminary stage and proofing at final stage. In the mean time I also assigned reporting and filed very good stories. But to be frank…I struggled in my early days as I could not write error free stories. Similarly, my edited stories were also with lot of grammatical errors. Once I received warning from the editor. Somehow I overcame this turbulent phase and did well in later phase. One of our seniors from BU, Srikant Tripathy was there as Copy Editor. He helped me greatly.

Now I consolidated my position there by virtue of my hard work. I was given independent charge of a magazine – Cargo Talk. I was also asked to work for two magazines from Bhutan and Sri Lanka in association with one of the eldest editors. Also assigned to look after E-news. Got an opportunity to visit Bhutan and work with Tourism deptt. of Bhutan Govt. Visited thrice, and every time the hill-locked country enthralled me for its natural beauty, culture and traditions. Filled many travel stories from Bhutan for Tashi Delek magazine.

My last travel to Bhutan was on 25th December, 2006, the day I was called for interview at Powergrid, another PSU, but could not as I booked ticket. Missed another opportunity? Maybe. But upon my arrival at Delhi from Bhutan I received another opportunity, the last one of the series: Offer from NTPC. After one month notice period, I left the organization. Again before leaving, I helped Sitansu to replace me. It seems he follows me until I was in private/media organisation! His run behind me come to an end as I joined sarakari naukrai. No. He is doing very good job in a popular television channel. I am happy for his progress. In fact, we both have mutual respect and admiration.

The NTPC offer says: Appointment to the post of Asst. PRO in the grade of E1 with place of posting in Jharkhand by latest February 04, 2007. The financial offer was lucrative. For a struggling journalist with lower middle class status, the offer was so good that I can not say ‘NO’. It is not that I have not consulted my peer groups before joining. Most of them favored. But for one person, I thought twice before joining. He is not other than Shri Pradeep Chintamani Mohapatra, Journalism lecturer at BU. In short he defined PR work as “DIGNIFIED PEON WORK”. No doubt money is there but where is the work satisfaction, he asked? Initially, I thought either he is pessimistic or over realistic. But today I realize his interpretation. May be other journalist turned PR professionals are interpreting the same in their own way.

The post sarakari naukri effect

Finally, I joined NTPC on January 29, 2007 at Ranchi office. It is a significant jump/change in my life. It changed everything: work culture, ambition, perception about life, thinking and many more.

Now I am a sarkari babu. There is no deadline to wind up the work. No pressure from my boss. Unlike private organization there is no strict attendance. The freedom inside the office will make you easily a reckless man. The number of leave one will get is sufficient. The additional perks will make your life comfort. Everything you will get as per your entitlement, it is like a fundamental right. You will get your salary on time. There is a sense of job security.

Now everything seems to be settled. Now I saved some money, added some property, constructed the village house. I am now 29 and its time to get married. Until now no body approached for marriage because I am in private organisation. Now I am in sarakari naukri and we started receiving proposal from many. What a contrast?

After two/three search here and there for suitable match, we arranged the marriage in Berhampur in a well-educated family. My marriage held in the last week of April 2008. Marriage is the best thing happened in my life. I am happy with my marriage life and my partner.

But post marriage, I added additional comfort in my life in the form of purchasing equipments. I can not say no to all these things, it seems the system is working not me. Now I feel I am luxurious enough. I am not working as workaholic as I used to do just three years back. That is why I added some weight. I am not physically fit as I was. Earlier my work keeps me fit. Now I work separately to keep myself fit. Before marriage, I was thinking the well-being of my whole family. Even today I am thinking the same but can not as used to do. I did many things for them by purchasing land and constructing house. I know my brothers are just living a normal life, while I am thinking of purchasing a land/apartment in town, having four-wheeler, investment, purchasing shares etc. My priority has shifted. My family members expecting more from me, but I am doing little for them now. I do not know why the shift. May be it is temporary in nature, maybe it is a metamorphic change. But I still believe ‘I am the same person as I was….I am not changed greatly, believe me’.

But the significant change with the opportunity to work in PSU is: I am not adding some value in my existing knowledge base. I am not frequently referring dictionary to know the meaning of a word. Not a voracious reader now. Not watching news channels …. entertainment is. Not reading articles seriously, just headlines. Not interpreting new developments either politically or socially. Not bothering what is happening in and around much. Not showing emotional whenever there is any incident, rather take it as professional.

Is it like if summer comes winter can not wait? Am I going through the summer season? Shall the winter come in the form of another opportunity I am waiting for? Shall I get an opportunity to be lecturer to fulfill my child hood dream or an opportunity to do something for the family, village and the society in large?


The learning so far: I never set any target to achieve. Today whatever I am, it is just because of opportunity. I do not say I deserve it or talented enough. I know there are many talented guys who can do better but they are just waiting for a suitable opportunity.

Remember! The suitable opportunity never ends! Keep trying.