Suryakant Jena

Gajapati: Service to mankind is service to God and Nihar Ranjan Panda of Paralakhemundi has inculcated it as the mantra of his life to make a difference in the lives of others especially, the poor.

A resident of Kabichandrasahi of Gajapati district, Nihar had everything in life, right from a highly paid job to luxurious lifestyle. He followed his dreams to pursue software engineering after completing his MCA but it did not give him true happiness.

It was social service in which Nihar found his life’s true purpose. With an aim to bring back smile on the faces of poor and needy, Nihar quit his job and returned back to his hometown where he founded ‘Joy of Giving’, a non-profit organization.

Be it the disastrous Phailin or outbreak of jaundice, Nihar has always been there for the people during such crucial times. There were times, when people used to reel under acute poverty but with help from Nihar, lives of several people have tremendously transformed.

 I started my journey of social service when I witnessed wastage of food during functions and ceremonies. I decided to use the leftover food to feed people living in slums, ashrams and shelter homes. Presently around 150 people support our organization on monthly basis and with that help we are able to provide service to nearly 60 old age persons, said Nihar.

Nihar’s efforts have received praises from several quarters.

“Thanks to Sir (Nihar) we have been able to sustain our lives. Be it providing food or clothes or any problems in our house, he has always been there for us," a local resident Jayanti said.

“After leaving software job, the way he has been helping poor people is very laudable. We feel proud to have been a close friend of Nihar,” said another local.

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