Creativity is reflection of thought-Biyot Projna Tripathy

By Sanjeev Shekhar

She was perhaps meant for creativity. Despite being a law graduate, she never had the leaning to pursue the career in it. "I don't know, why? But my inner instinct drew towards films and creativity," she says.

The love for cinema fulfills her yearning to remain an artist. Having successfully carved a niche for herself as a professional filmmaker, the national award winner, Biyot Projna Tripathy has punched the celluloid yet again.

A 30-minute documentary, Coffee House, marvelously airs the sentiments of the young and vibrant minds of contemporary youth. A classy depiction of lifestyle in any metro, the film is not bound to any place or time.Shot in the commercial capital of the state, Jamshedpur, Coffee House is an adaptation of a short story by a noted Oriya author, Devdas Chottoray, the scriptwriter of the film Indra Dhanush Chayee that was screened at Cannes Film Festival, a few years ago.

“I believe in reality and try to pick up subjects that is happening and authentic,” says Biyot Projana, who has 23 documentaries and short films up her sleeve. Projna, after completing her law, wanted to pursue the legal profession but soon realized that it was not the right place for her. She preferred to do something of her own and responded to the spontaneous instinct to get into the films.

Coffee House is an English film that revolves around a young man. Secluded, and has no friend, rather girlfriend to be precise. This young man fails to attract the attention of even the waiter, who is busy serving the group of young boys and girls flocking in the cafeterias. It typically brings out the discussion among the young boys about their girl friends and the girls in short skirt sashaying their seductive conduct to charm young boys. Some discussing their sexual escapades with their paramour, while another girl giving excuses to her teacher, who has apparently caught her having an intrinsic relationship with her cousin, thereby leaving the lonely character embarrassed, who ultimately steps out of the cafeteria.This documentary brought accolades from viewers much to the satisfaction of Biyot, who is now planning to step into the feature film arena. Having won the national award for best documentary in 2004 for “Ladakh, the Land of Mystery”, she has prepared several documentaries depicting the tribal lifestyle of Jharkhand and Manipur.

While “Hawaimithai” deals with tribal children of Jharkhand, their dreams and the knowledge of their sorrow and lost identity, Manipur Cocktail deals with the sociological change in the culture that was aired on Doordarshan. Another documentary, “Light in the Wilderness,” depicts the life of tribal women of Jharkhand whereas the documentary, “A Different Civilization”, is the strong depiction of the famous folk dance, Chhau.

Biyot has made promotional films for Doordarshan and several business houses. She candidly says that she loves Jamshedpur and has no plans to go out of this place. “After all, this place has given me so much,” she brims.Owner of the Hand Held Productions, Biyot is offering variety of recipe to the film lovers. Majority of her films has brought out the character so well that it has created a desire among viewers to have something new next time.

Sanjeev Shekhar,

Journalist/Media Consultant/PR

A woman of substance carving a niche in social service

Courage extra-ordinaire-Bijli Rani Mahato at the medical camp

~A story of determination and self belief that was nurtured by Tata Steel Rural Development Services ~

Hailing from a poor family of Boram village in Patamda, Bijli Rani Mahato has created name and niche for herself in her village. This is an exemplary case of self determination and commitment to society that was with the support from Tata Steel Rural Development Society.

Now a 45 year old woman, Bijli Rani Mahato was burdened with the responsibility of running her poor family of 8 siblings at the age of 18. Being the eldest in the lot, this determined lady had to take up the challenge at an early age of 18. As she had an inclination towards social work since childhood, Tata Steel Rural Development Services (TSRDS) medical team gave her an opportunity to work with them when they started their operations in Patamda in 1984.

Post associating herself with TSRDS, initially she used to attend the mobile medical units at Dimudih, Nowadih, and Jalla clinic. Gradually she started counseling villagers about Family Welfare Programme and motivated the patients for regular checkups. She also counseled young couples having two / three children for adopting permanent as well as temporary methods of Family planning. As per records since 1986 to 2007, she has motivated about 15000 cases with full assistance from Tata Steel’s Corporate Sustainability Services department.

Bijli Rani’s contribution towards Eye Care Services and towards treatment of tuberculosis is also appreciable. She has motivated patients for cataract operations in 165 villages of Patamda block. It is because of her efforts that vision of nearly 200 people has been restored. Bijli voluntarily attached herself with the CARE funded Child Survival Project of Tata Steel Rural Development Services which was implemented in 162 villages of Patamda block (1998- 2003) that brought an improvement in the health status of mother and child.

Bijli Rani has selflessly contributed towards the society. She has not only given her best to her family but has extended her compassion and good work to many families. “It would have been very difficult for me to sustain my family if Tata Steel’s TSRDS would not have come to my help. The life of respect and dignity that I am leading today is all with the help TSRDS. It gives me immense satisfaction when people in my village recognise and acknowledge my work and look up to me for help.”