Make In Odisha Unit

It was late evening when we were returning from the India Surf Festival 2016 held at Konark, Odisha, two weeks ago. On our way to Bhubaneswar, on the way, we decided to stop by and visit a woman entrepreneur's unit as they had invited us several times. We called up our contact, the manager, Kedar babu, and he said that he, along with the owner, was available then. He heartily welcomed us and guided us about the route to reach their address.

It was very easy to reach the unit as everyone, we inquired on the way, knew the way! It showed the popularity of the owner, the much-awarded entrepreneur, Smt Meenakshi Prusty. We successfully reached our destination. 

Smt Meenakshi Prusty made us feel at home. With the able support of her team- her daughter, Maansi, son-in-law, Kedar babu, and other dedicated members, their unit has been sincerely working & growing. 

2nd from Left- Kedar Babu, Centre- Meenakshi Prusty, Extreme Right -Maansi 

Smt.Prusty said that she had been busy that month, having to visit Puri almost everyday for the holy Hindu month of Kartika. We were grateful that our timing was right to meet her!

We were impressed by the sight that greeted us in her unit. We found many women busy at work. There were many electronic sewing-machines. Her daughter, Maansi, was also working with the other women.

They were making bags to fulfill the order for the Make In Odisha Conclave. 

We were impressed to see their unique work. 

The delegate bags are of super quality Tussar and Ikat cloth. 

The professional touch, super design and dedication wowed us.

When we spoke to the women, they expressed gratitude to be employed by Smt. Prusty as she is a caring woman entrepreneur. They have no holidays and consider their unit as their family. Even on Diwali they were working hard to complete the order consignment. In the nights, to ensure safety, Kedar babu himself provides drop-services, by driving the women back to their homes in his car. We felt grateful that we got to meet such warm personalities. We are grateful to all those working for nation-building. More power to such entrepreneurs and team-members.

I must mention that apart from the warm smiles and the camaraderie, we were treated to tea in the unit. As I rarely take tea, I took my cup of tea for our driver. But, I found that he had already been served tea by them and was already sipping tea. I returned with my cup thinking that the drinker's name is on every drop and tea is a great companion for the fresh winter chill. My first sip of tea took me by surprise. It was totally different from any tea I had tasted before. I graciously complimented Smt. Prusty. She said that as the milk used in the tea is from their own cow, their tea tastes so. I feel we can have Make In Odisha Tea-Tourism too as the Made In Odisha tea tastes great in the Make In Odisha unit!

Thank you for the Tea, the smiles and the great work! 

Looking forward to get my delegate bag in the Make In Odisha Conclave!

My post on the subject of gratitude this Thanksgiving Day for Write Tribe #FridayReflections.
U for - Unique, Unit, Useful, Used