Smita Mishra 
FEATURE: Success stories often begin with struggle, determination, and a dream that refuses to fade. The story of Mr. Debasis Mohaptra, the man behind Pioneer Press, is one such inspiring tale. Today, his company handles nearly maximum of government printing work in Odisha, contributing significantly to various sectors. But his journey to success was far from smooth. From working a low-paying job to building an empire, his story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and an unwavering belief in oneself.
The Early Days: A Young Mind with a Business Vision
From an early age, Debasis Mohaptra had clarity about his future—he wanted to build something of his own. While many of his peers focused on securing stable jobs, he was already dreaming of creating opportunities instead of just seeking them.
But societal pressure is a powerful force, especially for young individuals. Family expectations and societal norms pushed him to look for jobs, even though his heart was set on entrepreneurship. He recalls how, as a young man, he would pretend to apply for job posts just to avoid the constant pressure from family and friends. Deep down, he was never interested in working under someone else.
Eventually, in 1995, he joined a printing press for a monthly salary of ₹2,500—a decision made not out of desire but out of obligation. He spent six months in that job, but his entrepreneurial fire never faded. He realized that if he didn’t take the risk now, he might never be able to follow his dream.So, he took a leap of faith— He quit his job and started his own business.
A Rocky Start: Struggles and Setbacks
Starting a business is never easy, especially with limited funds and no prior experience. With only ₹2,000—the money his father had given him while leaving home—he registered a firm under the name Pioneer and set out to build something remarkable.
However, the early days were filled with challenges. Manufacturing was a major issue—he didn’t have the resources to produce goods locally, so he had to get the work done in Delhi and Kolkata and then supply them in Odisha. But he never gave up.
Interestingly, printing was not his first business idea. Before venturing into printing, he and his partners tried their hands at software development—an extremely bold move in the 1990s when software was still an unknown concept to most people.
“Back in the 90s, software was something we only saw in movies. But we believed it was the future.”
Unfortunately, India—especially Odisha—was not ready for such a business at that time. The project, which could have grown into something as big as Infosys or Accenture, remained just a dream due to the lack of awareness and market demand.
Not one to be discouraged, he moved on to data processing with his partners. But even this venture faced hurdles, and when it didn’t generate the expected profits, his partners backed out to pursue stable jobs.
The Turning Point: Establishing Pioneer Press
With his partners gone, Debasis had two choices—give up or keep going alone. He chose the latter.
He decided to focus entirely on the printing industry and government contracts. He understood that quality, reliability, and commitment were the keys to success, and he built his business around these values.
“My formula for success is simple—PPQ: Price, Punctuality, and Quality. I provide what I commit, when I commit. The last thing I compromise on is quality.”
Through sheer dedication, Pioneer Press started gaining recognition. Over the years, it became one of the most trusted names in Odisha’s printing industry, handling major government projects like Textbook Production.
His client list now includes BSNL, TBPM (Textbook Production and management) OSCB (Odisha State Cooperative Bank), OSACS (Odisha State AIDS Control Society), SBTC (State Blood Transfusion Council), and numerous public and private institutions. Most schools in Odisha receive their textbooks from Pioneer Press, making it a crucial player in the education sector.
From a humble beginning to an industry leader, Debasis built a company that not only serves major clients but also creates jobs for hundreds of people.
A Leader with a Heart
A true leader is tested in difficult times, and Debasis proved his commitment to his employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many businesses resorted to layoffs, he ensured that every single employee received their full salary.
“I was never just working for myself. My goal was always to create jobs for others. During the pandemic, I made sure that not a single employee lost their income. Their families depended on them, and I couldn’t let them down.”
Today, Pioneer Press employs more than 50 permanent staff members, with additional contractual workers depending on the workload.
Beyond Business: The Values That Drive Him
Debasis attributes much of his discipline and resilience to his roots in the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh). He firmly believes that patience, discipline, and dedication are the real investments in life—not just money.
He follows a simple but powerful philosophy in business and life:
“Money is not the only investment. The true investment is discipline, hard work, and honesty.”
Despite his remarkable success in the printing industry, Debasis Mahapatra ’s vision extends far beyond Pioneer Press. He is now actively working toward the development of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in Odisha, a sector that serves as the backbone of the country’s economy. Under the banner of Laghu Udyog Bharati, the only organization operating nationwide for the welfare of MSMEs, he plays a crucial role in empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs. As the Treasurer of Laghu Udyog Bharati, he is deeply involved in initiatives that provide financial support, policy advocacy, and growth opportunities for emerging enterprises.
But his contributions don’t stop at business alone. With a deep-rooted love for culture and tradition, Debasis also serves as the Vice President of Bhubaneswar Sambardhana Samiti, an organization committed to preserving and celebrating Odisha’s rich heritage. From supporting cultural festivals and traditional events to ensuring the smooth execution of religious and community functions, he believes in giving back to society in meaningful ways. For him, success is not just about financial growth but about uplifting others, preserving traditions, and fostering a sense of community.
Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Debasis has a strong and motivating message:
“Don’t think that a stable job is everything. Business is about taking risks, but it is also about creating opportunities for others. That is a different level of satisfaction.”
He explains that a job may give you a secure salary, but the real wealth is in building something of your own:
“You may earn ₹2 lakh per month in a job, but remember—the owner is making much more than that from your skills. Why not create your own path instead of working to build someone else’s dream?”
He encourages young people to take the first step, even if they doubt their abilities. “Once you start, you will discover your true potential,” he says.
A Legacy in the Making
From a young man who once lied about applying for jobs Just to avoid societal pressure, the owner of One of Odisha’s most trusted printing firms Debasis Mohapatra’s journey is an inspiration to all.
His story is proof that success is not about where you start, but about how determined you are to keep going despite challenges.
With Pioneer Press growing stronger each day, one thing is certain—Debasis Mohaptra is not just building a company; he is building a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
