When Dr. Manoranjan Mishra, the Executive Director at Jeevan Rekha Parishad (JRP) picked me up from the Bhubaneswar airport, I could immediately tell that the city stands in stark contrast to Kolkata. With a metro population of only 1.2 million, it is relatively small for India. It is also referred to as a smart city. Even during our short drive from the airport, it became apparent why: a straightforward network of well-maintained streets, timed traffic lights, a modern bus network, copious urban greenery, little to no traffic, and door-to-door waste collection make Bhubaneswar one of the most desirable cities in East India. While Kolkata is loud, difficult to navigate, and demands your full attention, Bhubaneswar permits you to move at your own pace.

After arriving on a Sunday evening, a quick dinner at a local food court, and a night of much needed rest, I turned up at the office on Monday morning.

My first week with JRP, while shorter than usual due to the Indian election and Savitri Amavasya, a regional holiday for married woman, was nonetheless quite busy. The people at JRP are both very friendly and efficient, which I admire. After a warm welcome and a glass of buttermilk, a popular beverage during the hot summer months, I was introduced to JRP’s portfolio of projects.

While not yet reflected on the website, I can safely say that JRP is involved in a ton of initiatives. Despite their small staff consisting of Biraj and Surajita at the main office and a few field coordinators located off-site in Dashapalla, JRP is involved in a wide range of projects including the protection of endangered marine wildlife like the Irrawaddy dolphin, providing food and professional training for poor or untouchable women and youth living in urban slums or remote areas, honey production, and assisting rural farmers with cold storage and greenhouse construction.

Dr. Manoranjan Mishra, who also goes by Dr. Manu, is also the Director of International Relations at KT Global School, an innovative boarding school with beautiful grounds and a holistic curriculum located in Khordha.

Of course, I am here to concentrate on two of JRP’s most recent projects: their malaria prevention project around the Chandaka Forest and their brand-new neem oil startup being launched in collaboration with women-led cooperatives in tribal communities near Dashapalla.

In each of their projects, JRP adopts a strong community focus. As far as I can tell, most of their work is driven by the needs expressed by the communities they serve as well as the natural resources at their disposal. They don’t employ a top-down approach. This dedication to service shines through, is evident in the passion and dedication of JRP’s staff, and is likely why the organization has persisted for 31 years.

Unfortunately, there isn’t currently a readily available record of JRP’s incredible achievements throughout Odisha. Helping JRP build an up-to-date website and statement of activities that documents their work will be one of my top priorities during my fellowship.

First day in the office

A warm welcome at JRP

I am with JRP to focus on their malaria prevention initiatives, and I certainly had the opportunity to make some headway on this front during my first week. The Neem oil project, which will support the production of Neem oil branded Neemola, is just taking off. During my first day, I designed the logo that will be used on the bottled product. I also created a poster advocating for the usage of Neem oil for malaria prevention to be distributed in tribal areas. Surajita and I also started to strategize for our first visit to the field near Dashapalla.

Neemola Logo

Poster advocating for Neem Oil

JRP knows that I am here to work on their malaria projects, but I had the opportunity to delve into some of their other work during my first week. Realistically, there was little else we could accomplish related to the start-up before traveling to the field. In response to an upcoming deadline for the OceanLove Innovation Award that may help fund their marine conservation work, I designed a graphic representation for their proposal. I also helped prepare an information sheet for a collaborative application to the Qatar Foundation Earthna Prize with 3 other nonprofits in 3 different countries which is awarded based on an organization’s past work related to sustainable urbanism.

Perhaps the most interesting event of the week, however, was my visit to KT Global School with Dr. Manu for a World Environment Day themed event. Not only did I get to visit the school’s picturesque grounds framed by forested hills, but I was treated to several moving speeches by prominent leaders from UNICEF, local start-ups, and Bollywood stars! When I was asked to speak, I was caught off guard. Without preparation, I delivered a couple minutes of remarks on climate change and activism. I hope I was comprehensible.

A poster for JRPs application to OIA

A poster for JRP’s application to OIA

Speaking at KT Global School

It remains hot in Odisha. During the day off for Savitri Amavasya, I decided to visit some of the Hindu temples the city is famous for. Many date from as far back as the 5^th century, and they are incredible. The Kalinga style of architecture, with rising shrines built out of intricately carved stone, is awe-inspiring. The sights, combined with the extreme heat and ubiquitous incense, put me into a dreamlike state. I didn’t snap back into reality until I felt myself on the verge of fainting due to dehydration. Fortunately, I found a café with AC where I was able to cool down.

A view of Lingaraja Temple

Over the weekend and into the next week, I will conduct my first field visit. While I am worried that heat will render the work difficult, I look forward to meeting the communities that will participate in the start-up, trying local foods, and experiencing village life.