Priyanshu Mohanty 
In an era where unemployment is a looming issue, especially for educated youth in rural areas, L and K Services emerges as a beacon of hope. Founded on November 30, 2009, by Mr. Pratap Kumar Palai, this Odisha-based company has proven to be a versatile force across multiple sectors, providing IT-enabled services, consultancy, manpower solutions, and corporate training, while also playing a vital role in several other industries like healthcare, facility management, and construction. Hailing from Patamundai in Kendrapara district, Mr. Palai’s journey is one of determination, grit, and a deep sense of social responsibility. Having started his career in sales with Hindustan Unilever, Bangalore, he found himself disillusioned with the insecurity of the profession and the lack of career advancement. The societal pressures and dissatisfaction with door-to-door sales led him to reevaluate his career, ultimately deciding to leave the job without seeking further employment. This turning point became the foundation for his future endeavors.
Mr. Palai’s determination to assist young graduates, particularly from rural Odisha, stems from his personal experiences. He observed firsthand how many graduates, despite completing their education, struggled to secure jobs that matched their qualifications. It is this insight that drove him to create opportunities for those who felt sidelined by the mainstream employment market. Under his leadership, L and K Services took in many such individuals, provided them with training, and eventually offered them gainful employment. Today, these professionals thrive in various sectors, supporting their families and contributing to the workforce.
What sets L and K Services apart is its adaptability and expansive reach. Initially facing numerous challenges due to the nascent stage of Odisha’s industrial transformation, Mr. Palai refused to give in. Instead, he harnessed his leadership skills, creativity, and technological expertise to scale his company into a multifaceted powerhouse. His ability to navigate the ever-changing business landscape and continuously support industries in scaling and building products or offering consultancy has been instrumental to his success. Over the years, L and K Services has become a preferred manpower provider for Central and State Governments, as well as Public and Private sectors, offering professionals on a contractual basis, thereby relieving organizations from the burden of direct recruitment. This not only saves public and government sectors from unnecessary complications and expenses but also ensures seamless service delivery.
The company has carved out a niche by excelling in various domains—software development, networking solutions, corporate training, and even facility management services such as plumbing, electrical work, and construction. Additionally, L and K Services plays a pivotal role as a manpower service provider, with the capability to deploy professionals across different sectors according to specific needs. The company’s involvement in the healthcare sector is especially commendable. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world came to a standstill, L and K Services stepped up. Despite the risks, the company continued to deliver essential services, including housekeeping and security for hospitals, under Mr. Palai’s direct supervision. His commitment saw him personally visiting facilities alongside his team to ensure work was being done efficiently. With 2,000–3,000 personnel deployed in healthcare services during the crisis, the company’s contribution was nothing short of heroic.
Notably, the company collaborated with various government hospitals in Kendrapara, helping improve healthcare facilities and hygiene. Mr. Palai’s efforts have shifted the public’s perception of government hospitals, making them a more viable option for healthcare services. People, who once avoided government hospitals due to concerns about cleanliness and care, are now returning, thanks to the improvements brought about by L and K Services. The company’s expansion beyond Odisha, working with organizations like the NDMC in Delhi and OMDC in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, highlights its growing influence and pan-Indian reach. Mr. Palai, however, acknowledges the challenges of expanding a company with Odisha roots in a highly competitive national market. Yet, despite these obstacles, L and K Services continues to thrive, proving that perseverance, innovation, and integrity can make a local company a national contender.
As the founder, Mr. Palai’s leadership style stands out for its hands-on approach and unwavering dedication to his employees and clients. His success is deeply rooted in his honesty and his ability to empathize with those around him. More than just running a business, he has created a platform where others can grow, learn, and succeed. His message to the youth is clear: *Stay patient and don’t give up easily. Success will come to those who persist.*
In an age where industries are ever-evolving, L and K Services, under the helm of Mr. Pratap Kumar Palai, continues to adapt, innovate, and provide unmatched service. His journey from an unsatisfying sales job to becoming the founder of a multi-sectoral company serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs and job seekers alike. Through sheer resilience and an unyielding desire to help others, Mr. Palai has built a legacy that not only addresses unemployment but also plays a critical role in driving the state of Odisha, and beyond, towards industrial and socio-economic development.
