Baripada/Angul: Sometimes honesty and firm resolve can make even a seemingly impossible task look utterly easy and turn small work which one would rather disregard into major player. Two youths from Odisha have validated the statement like no one else.
At a time when youths are running from pillar to post and leaving no stone unturned to get employment, the two youths have set example for others by becoming self-employed.
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While Tapas Ranjan Dharmahapatra, an engineer by degree, in Baripada has left a lucrative job and turned into a chaiwala (tea seller), Sunil Kumar Sahu of Angul has become an inspiration for many with his self-employment despite suffering from physical disabilities.
https://youtu.be/sBQs9aMO_9o
Tapas’s Awwal Tea Stall located along Baghra Road of Satyasahi in Baripada attracts people from various walks of life who visit the stall to have a cup of tea at a reasonable price. Apart from offering teas of several varieties like tandoori tea, dragon tea and organic black tea, the youngster also spreads the message of green environment by using clay cup and disposable paper cups.
Tapas who had worked in Chennai and Bangalore after completing his engineering said there is no specific reason behind taking up the profession of selling tea.
“I have just started the business and fully satisfied with it. People are also enjoying my tea,” said a visibly elated Tapas.
Swarup Kumar Mishra, a resident of Baripada, said, “When I heard that the youth after completing engineering has set up a tea stall, I felt very happy that instead of running after job he became self-employed. He prepares tea in clay pot which is very tasty.”
Like the other side of a coin, Sunil, a post-graduate student of Ravenshaw University in Cuttack also has a similar story to tell. While Tapas left big jobs to pursue a life of self-employment, Sunil who is visually-impaired has become an inspiration for many with his never-die attitude in dreaming big in life.
https://youtu.be/XLQCDsq3dUg
Belonging to a financially weaker family, he sells snacks in a trolley outside Ravenshaw every day to meet his study expenses. After three hours of business in the evening every day, he returns to hostel for study.
Sunil does not feel embarrassed for doing this business and opined that no one can become successful without giving up shyness and fear.
“If you think to become successful, you have to give up shyness and fear. If you do not do labour, how come you will get success. There is no gain without pain,” he said.
Students and professors at the varsity are all praises for Sunil and term him a true inspiration.
“We should learn from him that whatever difficulties come in our way, we should face them fearlessly. We should try to become independent, rather than a burden on others even if we are physically disabled,” said Smruti Rekha Das, a girl student of Ravenshaw.