When I look back at my journey, one thing stands out above all – spirituality and compassion. These two values have been the guiding lights in my life. No matter where you are, what you do, or what challenges you face, it is your inner strength, nurtured by these virtues, that will carry you forward.

I was born into a life of poverty, and like many, I had to struggle just to survive. But from a young age, I understood that material wealth is not the real wealth. The richness of the soul, nurtured by spirituality and compassion for others, is far more important. It is this understanding that has shaped my life, my work, and my vision.

Spirituality, to me, is not about rituals or religious practices. It is about the connection we have with the universe, the trust we place in the forces that guide us. It is about having faith, even when the road ahead seems uncertain. I have always believed that everything happens for a reason, and that if we are true to ourselves and others, the universe has a way of opening doors for us. This belief has been the foundation of my work at KIIT and KISS.

 

Compassion, on the other hand, is the action that stems from spirituality. If spirituality gives us the strength to carry on, compassion is what drives us to help others along the way. For me, compassion is not just a feeling, but a way of life. I have always felt deeply connected to those who suffer, and this connection has led me to dedicate my life to serving the underprivileged, especially the tribal children of Odisha.

When I established KISS, it was with the simple idea of giving back to society. The children who come to KISS have nothing, yet they have the potential to become anything. Through education and care, we are able to transform their lives, and in doing so, transform society. This work is the greatest example of how spirituality and compassion come together to create a lasting impact.

In today’s world, success is often measured by wealth, status, or power. But I believe true success lies in how much we are able to give to others, how we lift up those around us. The ability to understand and alleviate the pain of others is the highest form of achievement. It is not about how much we have, but how much we are willing to share.

As we celebrate Vijayadashami, a time that symbolises the victory of good over adversity, it is important to remember that this victory is not just external – it is also internal. The real battles we face are often within ourselves, and it is through spirituality and compassion that we find the strength to overcome them.

I realise that every small act of kindness, every decision made with compassion, has created ripples of change far beyond what I could have imagined. And this, I believe, is the essence of spirituality – that when you act with a pure heart and a sincere mind, the results are not just personal success but the success of humanity as a whole.

As I continue my work, my message to all is simple: cultivate spirituality within yourself, let compassion guide your actions, and success will follow – not just for you, but for everyone you touch.

That is my true strength, and everything I am today is rooted in these two words: spirituality and compassion.