Social scientists say change begins when mind is open like it happened in case of Swami Vivekananda or change begins when heart is broken like it happened in the case of Gautam Buddha, said Yes We Can chairman Bhagbanprakash here on Monday at the inauguration ceremony of Yes We Can's project "Be the Change."
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said, "When we do something new, we face ridicule. First, they ridicule, then they malign, then they create hurdles. When they fail, they will join you. Anyway do something new."
Recognition is a human need. People working in different fields should be recognised, appreciated and supported. The Odias should develop the habit. Nobody can stop change, he further added.
Social activist Padma Shri Tulasi Munda said even after 70 years of independence Odisha has still a long way to go in different fields. Gandhiji's dream has still remained a dream. She said "I pray to god for change agents being more successful in life and achieving their dreams."
Editor of Sambad Soumya Ranjan Patnaik said change is the truth. There is now a belief that the number of good people in society is decreasing. If one goes to the State Secretariat, one has to search for a honest person. Everybody says he is a negative person and he is anti- development. Bad people are highly organised. But nobody gets good people together. The Second World War was fought to preserve democracy.
While we worship democracy, the democratic process of politics is hated. If politics is hated there would be no democracy. Surprisingly, even politicians accuse each other of doing 'politics'. If some good people enter politics, the arrogance of politicians and parties can be curbed.
Yes We Can founder Sisir Sahoo said, "Odisha would turn 100 in 2036. We need to identify, inspire, and ignite talents, thoughts and techniques to bring about changes in society. The journey has begun on January 23, the birthday of two inspiring icons Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Veer Surendra Sai and Yes We Can would unearth 1,000 change agents."
On the occasion, a book "Be the Change" by Anil Bhatt was released and a website launched. Besides, 50 change agents scouted by the organisation for their contribution in different fields were felicitated by the guests. A vote of thanks was offered by Jayashree Mohanty.