From A Broken Dream To Protecting Forests And Inspiring Youth
As a school topper, I always dreamt of becoming a doctor.
I worked hard, cleared my medical entrance examinations, and believed my future was set.
But financial limitations shattered that dream.
Unable to afford medical education, I had to change direction completely and study geology instead.
I felt lost.
For a long time, my life felt like a directionless boat drifting without purpose.
Discovering A New Path
During my master’s degree in 2014, one of my friends introduced me to Nichiren Buddhism.
At first, I simply chanted with curiosity.
But gradually, the practice began transforming my inner state.
Then, in 2016, my father underwent major heart surgery.
I became deeply determined to pray for his recovery.
I started practicing much more seriously and began attending Gakkai meetings regularly.
Through daimoku and encouragement from members, I rebuilt my confidence.
For the first time in years, I began believing in my own potential again.
A Victory Beyond My Imagination
During this period, I decided to challenge the Odisha Public Service Commission examination.
I studied sincerely while continuing my Buddhist practice.
Eventually, I secured the 19th rank in the examination.
I was appointed as a Forest Range Officer.
At the same time, my father’s health steadily improved.
Both victories deepened my conviction tremendously.
Choosing Faith Over Convenience
During my 18-month training period in Angul, I stayed far away from the city.
Still, every Sunday, I traveled nearly 35 kilometers to attend Gakkai meetings.
I did not want distance or inconvenience to weaken my practice.
During this period, I also introduced more than 10 colleagues to Nichiren Buddhism.
Gradually, our block expanded and became a district.
I experienced firsthand what Ikeda Sensei meant when he wrote:
“The lion knows no sense of solitude…. Kosen-rufu is the task of a lion.”
(The Human Revolution)
Facing Fear Head-On
My first posting was at Bhuban, an area known for illegal mining.
Very early in my career, I realized this work would demand tremendous courage.
On just the second day of my posting, I stopped illegal activity in the forest late at night.
I was afraid internally, but I also knew I had to uphold justice sincerely.
That became the beginning of my battle to perform my duties with integrity.
Challenges In My Personal Life
In 2021, another major challenge emerged.
My fiancé was diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune disease and had to begin steroid treatment.
Because of his health condition, he resigned from his high-paying job and shifted toward pursuing higher studies in law.
Watching him struggle emotionally and physically was painful.
Instead of becoming overwhelmed, I immersed myself more deeply in Gakkai activities.
I introduced over 20 people to the practice during this phase.
Our district expanded into a chapter, and I took responsibility as:
YWD Chapter Chief
Region SD (Girls) Incharge
The following year, we got married.
Transforming Fear Into Courage
In 2022, a major elephant poaching case led to the suspension of 10 forest officers.
When a similar incident occurred in my range, fear gripped me.
I worried constantly that I too might face suspension.
But instead of collapsing under fear, I focused on encouraging members.
Even if it meant traveling more than 120 kilometers for activities, I continued striving for kosen-rufu.
Gradually, my fear transformed into courage.
At our May 3rd meeting that year, 52 members attended.
At the same time, Student Division attendance grew from three members to 11 within just two months.
Protecting Nature Through My Mission
Inspired deeply by Ikeda Sensei’s peace proposals, I determined to contribute meaningfully toward environmental protection.
I identified open areas for plantation drives and worked sincerely to prevent deforestation.
Over time:
2.5 lakh saplings were planted
12 lakh seedlings were raised in nurseries
Illegal mining in my jurisdiction was stopped
Zero illegal tree felling incidents were recorded
Zero elephant deaths occurred in my range
These victories became possible only through the support of my seniors, subordinates, and constant daimoku.
In 2023, my sincerity and dedication were recognized, and I was promoted as Assistant Conservator of Forests.
Fresh Struggles Appear Again
Then new challenges emerged.
I was transferred to Cuttack, where my daily commute stretched nearly four hours.
At the same time, a 43-year-old court case involving my in-laws unexpectedly reopened.
The possibility of taking the matter to the Supreme Court created tremendous financial strain.
Yet once again, I chose to strengthen my faith instead of becoming defeated.
Creating Causes For Victory
At this point, I became attached to a nearby chapter that had only two active YWD members.
I challenged myself to chant three hours and twenty minutes of daimoku every day.
I began:
Visiting YWD members regularly
Conducting home visits
Introducing friends to the practice
Reading campaign materials daily
Studying The New Human Revolution and A Youthful Diary
During this phase, I introduced seven lives to the practice, and five inactive YWD members became active again.
Toward the March 16th Campaign this year, I:
Chanted one million daimoku
Conducted 30 home visits
Introduced 11 people to the practice
Victories Begin Flowing
As my efforts in faith deepened, visible rewards appeared all around me.
My cousin secured a government job after 13 years of unemployment
My older brother received a prestigious project opportunity in the USA
My father-in-law’s case reached the Supreme Court
My husband became a partner at a reputed law firm
Most importantly, he recovered enough to stop steroid medication
At work too, positive changes appeared.
I was transferred to my desired location with flexible working hours and a shorter commute.
Winning Through Determination
Shortly after joining my new office, I made a major mistake while handling prize distribution at a state-level program.
I felt embarrassed and discouraged.
But instead of dwelling on the mistake, I plunged wholeheartedly into the July 3rd Campaign.
During this same period, our office successfully conducted the state-level Vanamahotsav program and even received appreciation from the Chief Minister.
I was also entrusted with recruitment responsibilities for forest officers.
Balancing work and Gakkai activities became extremely demanding, but also deeply fulfilling.
Our region conducted more than 10 weekly daimoku sessions.
I completed 35 home visits and joyfully participated in a YWD meeting attended by 17 YWD members — including two of my own colleagues.
What I Learned
Looking back now, I realize my life transformed not because challenges disappeared, but because my inner state changed.
I learned:
Fear can be transformed into courage
Faith reveals hidden strength
Kosen-rufu activities expand our life condition
Sincere efforts create trust and protection
My Determination
Toward November 18th, I determine to:
Reach out to every YWD member in my region
Introduce 11 more lives to the practice
Continue protecting nature and society sincerely
Advance kosen-rufu joyfully wherever I am posted
No matter where my mission takes me, I want my life itself to become proof that courage born from daimoku can transform even the harshest circumstances into victory.