Dikhyaa Mohanty 
President of CUTTACK CLUB, Dr. Sanjukta Mohapatra is the former principal of Sailabala autonomous women’s college. She was a professor in the English Department. After 36 years of working in different administrative positions and as a teacher, she retired from Sailabala women’s college. NAAC, an autonomous body of the UGC with its headquarters in Bangalore, gives accreditation to universities and colleges, and she is a member of the NAAC peer team. Her college is celebrating its 106th anniversary, and it’s a great honor to be selected as a member of the NAAC peer team for the first time.
No matter what color she chooses, women always try to express themselves through art. Women love to express themselves through paint. People often degrade women when they come into power, but our powerful lady Dr. Mohapatra has proven that no matter what thunder comes, she is always ready to fight. Her mantra has been leadership, discipline, and when it comes to gender, she believes no barrier can stop her. In addition to being a mother, a wife, a professor, and a fighter, she is a people person. In the Interview Times Corner, we have Prof. Dr. Sanjukta Mohapatra.
1. As the president of such a huge club of Cuttack, how do you feel?
I feel esteemed, and really happy that I got the chance first time as a lady to lead such a unique, heritage and one of the oldest clubs in Odisha in 156 years for the first time a lady has contested and been elected. In a sense it is happiness and I feel like doing something for the club. So when the first woman entered such a massive position, my first vision and goal were to create an equal balance between the men and the women. We can see that there are very few lady members in the club, but as spouses, all of them come and enjoy the facilities, but the participation in the daily club activities was lacking so I thought if I occupied a post I could attract more female members to be involved in the activities. As a club, we do a variety of works and drives, from children’s and ladies’ events to cake decorating and games, which are getting positive responses.
2. Do you think being a female president in a male dominant club is hard to manage?
Since I already have experience in my professional field and throughout my life, I shouldn’t have any hassles. As a result, I balance my professional and personal lives. My family has never been neglected either. Since my husband has been a member for 35 years, I have become very familiar with the club and its members. In that case, there is no need for extra effort.
3. How was the transition from being an educator to working in the heritage community? How did you cope with the transition?
I’m already a member of the inner wheel club of Cuttack, so it wasn’t an instant shift. As we do a lot of charity work and interact with the public, the transition was already in place. Therefore, the transition was never difficult since it has become a little more focused.
4. As a woman, have you ever heard people say, “What can she do, she can’t handle it? “?
I have done so throughout my life. Although I am very determined by nature, if I take on work, I get it done perfectly. Transparency, integrity, and honesty are the standards I hold dear, so when I have all these things, nothing is impossible for me. Mental strength is just as important as physical strength. I always tell people that God has given us two eyes in the front but we need to have eyes all over our heads. As long as we are alert and strong enough, no one can touch us.
5. What major reforms do you want to add to the Cuttack club?
Yes, we have been working on creating new events, flower arrangements, cake mixing ceremonies, and musical nights. Since I’m concentrating more on women’s participation in club activities, we’re planning more drives at various companies. This activity is enjoyed by both sexes, regardless of gender. Men, too, enjoy it. The vast majority of our male members voted for me during the club’s board election, so I believe our male members have turned the tables and have embraced the workmanship. I believe we have a healthy atmosphere with huge growth.
6. What did you enjoy more, being the principal of such a renowned college or serving people’s best interests as the president of the Cuttack Club?
I enjoy both of them since I am doing a lot of academic work at the moment, with my ideas and work for the NAAC peer team, as well as setting questions for civil service exams and conducting their vivas. I am also an Odia-to-English translator. This is a part of what I enjoy because I know how to balance things.
7. What would you like to say to our readers?
All the ladies and girls in society should move forward without looking back. People will criticize, obstacles will arise, but the success will be greater. We shouldn’t be afraid of anything. Keep your courage up. Nothing can stop you if you follow your conscience. We all need to grab the opportunity and work hard with lots of determination once our life is made no one can touch us.
PENNED BY- PRISITA DAS
