Interview taken by Vikram Kumar

Interviewer: Your story feels like a powerful film script. Where does this journey truly begin?

Madhusmita: It begins in a simple home in Odisha, where dreams were small but sincere. Life was ordinary until tragedy changed everything. After my marriage, losing my husband suddenly felt like the world had stopped. At the same time, my battle with epilepsy made even daily life a challenge. But somewhere inside, I knew I had to keep moving.

Interviewer: Many people break under such circumstances. What made you choose strength instead?

Madhusmita: Pain teaches you two choices — surrender or rise. I chose to rise. I told myself that my struggles would not define my future.

Interviewer: Your early working years were filled with instability. How did those experiences shape you?

Madhusmita: In 2014, I started working in Balasore, but health problems kept interrupting my progress. Later in Bhubaneswar, I worked as a junior artist and hosted small events. Those days were uncertain, but they taught me confidence and survival.

Interviewer: The pandemic became a turning point in your life. Tell us about that phase.

Madhusmita: When the world stopped, my income disappeared completely. I had no option but to create my own path. With an old bicycle, I started selling tea and Ayurvedic products. People laughed, sometimes criticized, and even challenges like theft happened — but I refused to feel ashamed of honest work.

Interviewer: Was there a moment when things finally began to change?

Madhusmita: Yes. Joining Alisha Foundation introduced me to social service. Helping others healed me internally. During this journey, I met Mr. Sunil Chaudhary, who trusted my dedication and offered me an opportunity at SkyDec Engineers LLP. That trust changed my life.

Interviewer: Today you are a Site Supervisor — a remarkable transformation. What does this role symbolize for you?

Madhusmita: It symbolizes dignity. Every responsibility I handle reminds me that perseverance always finds its reward.

Interviewer: Receiving the Kalinga Gaurav Award 2025 must have been emotional.

Madhusmita: Very emotional. I felt my struggles were finally seen. That award belongs to every difficult day I survived and every person who believed in me.

Interviewer: What dreams guide you now?

Madhusmita: I want to build an ashram where elderly people can live with dignity and care. No one should feel abandoned.

Interviewer: If your life could send one message to the world, what would it be?

Madhusmita: Hardships are not the end of life’s story. Courage can rewrite any destiny. 

Some stories are written by destiny, but a few are rewritten by courage. Madhusmita’s life is one such story — a journey shaped not by comfort, but by resilience, faith, and an unbreakable will to rise.