“I was born in Odisha, but my story truly began in Hyderabad, where my family moved when I was just three months old. My father, a daily wage laborer, and my mother, an Anganwadi helper, come from a small village in Jajpur, Chandikhol. Life was tough, but they gave everything to ensure I could dream big, even if we struggled to make ends meet. Hyderabad has been my home for 22 years now, shaping me into who I am today.
From an early age, I knew what it meant to work hard. Financial struggles meant I had to fight for my education, but I was always drawn to social work. The turning point came in the 7th grade, when I read stories of freedom fighters and changemakers like Nelson Mandela. One of my teachers introduced me to these stories, and they lit a fire in me. Around the same time, I participated in a school project called Desire for Change (DHC). We conducted a survey in a slum and presented it to the GHMC corporator. Years later, those slums were replaced with double-bedroom houses. That project taught me something life-changing: to serve my country, I didn’t need a uniform. I just needed the will to act.
In the 8th grade, I joined my first NGO, Yuvatha, which worked on initiatives like turning waste paper into notebooks for government school students. As someone who studied in a government school, I knew the struggles students faced when basic supplies weren’t provided. I also took initiatives in my school, organizing plantation drives and tackling issues like drainage leaks that were affecting students’ health. These small steps gave me the confidence to think bigger.
Yuvatha introduced me to more opportunities and networks. Through them, I met groups like Team We Can and later the Robin Hood Army. Joining the Robin Hood Army changed my perspective. Distributing food to people living on the streets—sometimes going days without meals—made me realize how much we take for granted. It was humbling and drove me to work harder, to do more for those in need.
When COVID-19 struck, everything changed. I worked with multiple NGOs to address urgent needs, from packing grocery kits with Akshaya Patra to coordinating plasma donations as well as volunteering for blood camps with the Cyberabad Police.
I saw people from all walks of life come together, united by a shared goal. It didn’t matter where we came from or what we believed in-we worked as one.
Balancing my personal journey wasn’t easy. My father still works as a daily wager, and I’ve had to support my own education. I worked part-time at Shoppers Stop and INOX mall, all while continuing my volunteering work. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience and time management.
Today, I’m pursuing my BBA at Ethames College, known for fostering an entrepreneurial spirit. It’s a diverse space where I’ve learned from peers with varied perspectives, including Marwadis, Gujaratis, and others who have a strong knack for business. I chose Ethames not just for a degree, but for the ecosystem it provides—an environment where ideas are nurtured, and dreams are built.
Currently, I’m working on my startup, Nexus Eventers, along with my co-founder. It’s a tech platform connecting customers with event vendors. This startup isn’t about personal gain; it’s about creating opportunities and contributing to India’s growth. I want to build something that makes a lasting impact, much like Tata, which not only built an empire but also supported the nation.
My journey has been a mix of highs and lows, but I carry it all with pride. My parents’ sacrifices, and the support of those around me has guided me. I believe that every individual has a duty—to their family and to their country. The safety and welfare of the country come first, always and every time. Then the safety of your parents or partner, and finally your own comfort. Remember, life is a war, and you are a warrior. Fight until the end.”
- Jannmajay Samal