Painting Their Way to a Better World

Berhampur: If you have a commitment towards the society and you endeavor to do some good for it, no obstacle can stop you. Wherever you may be, you will strive to give back to those because of whom you are who you are. These are the words replied by one of the members of the quarantine center – Purna Chandra Dakua, when asked about his passion to paint the walls of the school with beautiful portraits of freedom fighters.

The quarantine center situated in K Berhampur Upper Primary School in Bellaguntha block of Ganjam district is going to be an inspiration for others with the members staying in this building transforming the landscape of the school with unique paintings. The center housing about 60 returnees has become a place of attraction in the last few days. Some members who are staying in it after returning from Surat have transformed the school with their own will and guided by the Headmaster Subrata Patra.

According to the Headmaster, the inmates on their own started transforming the school and we provided all the required materials to them. Now the school is transformed into a beautiful place, which the students will like very much. The paintings of Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, and other freedom fighters will inspire the students of the school, he said.

Not only Purnachandra, others like Santosh kumar Jena and Srinibas Jena also came forward to clean the surroundings of the school and paint the walls with beautiful creations. According to Srinibash, they are inspired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s efforts for the returnees.

The members of the quarantine center are not only involving themselves in arts, they are performing yoga and exercises to keep themselves healthy. Though their quarantine period will end in two three weeks, their work for the society and the school in particular, will be remembered for a long time.

Quarantine centres in Odisha are not only meant to isolate the migrants, but also to provide them a social values and knowledge.