A small bite of Cuttack: public, private and self

Clock tower, Cuttack

As I savored a small bite of cucumber with a pinch of salt, my mind wandered to the plight of the poor. This humble snack may be a luxury for some, but for many, it's a means of staving off hunger. Such was the scene I witnessed at Cuttack SCB Medical in Odisha, where the scorching summer has exacerbated the problems faced by the less fortunate.

The Odisha government had launched initiatives like "Ahar Kendra" to provide cheaper food for the needy, but these efforts have fallen short of expectations. The poor are still forced to rely on food from outside.

Cuttack, known as the "silver city," is a bustling hub of activity, with its famous aludum dahibara food, cricket matches and silver filigree works and drawing crowds. However, in the midst of this vibrancy, one cannot help but notice the large number of people living in poverty.

As a concerned citizen, I cannot help but feel guilty about the state of affairs. Even able-bodied individuals resort to begging for survival, highlighting the failure of our government to provide adequate support. It's time for us to question why the focus is always on beggars, and what can be done to empower those in need.

In my opinion, education plays a crucial role in shaping the mindset of individuals. While educated people may exploit society, the uneducated ones are often the ones cleaning up our streets. It's time for us to realize that cleanliness is not just the government's responsibility but ours as well.

We need to take a step back and reflect on our actions, whether it's littering on the streets or turning a blind eye to the plight of the poor. We can all make a difference by taking small steps towards building a cleaner, more compassionate society.

- Satyajit Samal