AN ODYSSEY THROUGH ODISHA
26 November 2019: The odyssey begins It was a special day as I arrived at Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneshwar. Emotions were high as my batchmate and close friend Rohita Kumar Lenka greeted me with his effervescent giggle and hugs at the arrival gate….we were meeting after a gap of pretty long five years. The occasion was spiced up by the wonderful smiles and reception placed forward by three of my Officer Trainees Tatini, Ashutosh and Mohan. Little was I aware of the great experience that awaited me in Odisha in the coming seven days. Tired I was, but a sumptuous meal at Tatini’s home, just elevated the energy levels. The multiple dishes on the table got even tastier with the motherly love generously sprinkled over the platter. By evening, I was accompanied to Lingaraj temple, a visit to which no pious tourist would miss in Bhubaneshwar. Bright yellow incandescent lights lit up the massive group of rock carved temple into an ethereal sight full of divinity. As we walked bare foot i