Prasanta Behera Blog

In 1999, there was a major cyclone in Odisha, India.  Millions of people were affected. Few of us who hailed from Odisha and working in silicon valley, California felt the need to act.  The grassroot moment was finally registered as a non-profit organization as Indo-American Sevaks Foundation . Over the years we have completed almost 40-50 projects worth more $500K impacting thousands children.  We have built schools, small hospital, provide computers, provide eye care, libraries and so on. Our team is still small (a dozen) but it has continued to march on over the years.  I am sharing what I learnt over the years. Everyone is a volunteer. If you are in a leadership role, don't think like a CEO - think more like someone who can bring the group together. Everyone is busy with work, family commitments and many other things ... people help in different ways at different points of time. So, it is important to understand that. Energy level fluctuates - It is very h...

Finding Youth (Poem) ========================== Finally, the rain gods have visited us sending dark clouds for many days soothing this drought mired land the creeks are full the earth is blessed. The clouds are still hovering over but today there is no rain you feel the joy you feel the energy let us go to the mountains for a ray of sun for a breath of fresh air for the lonely walk but why am I rushing when the trees look beautiful when the flowers are peeking and the air is fresh. Like the bikers and walkers I am also walking and running in this narrow path we all share. A puddle in the midst a decision infront how to circumvent it and go to the mountain as fast as I can. But not to this little girl who sees the puddle of water runs forward in excitement she criss-crosses it back and forth with arms open and wide circles around again and again like the swan with pride. A patient father stands still imagining of his youth a rainbow ...