Odisha-Born UK Entrepreneur Funds Washroom Rebuild at Girls' Home in Nabarangpur
In a heartwarming display of philanthropy, Odisha-born and UK-based entrepreneur Captain (Retd) Arun Kar and his wife, Nidhi, have funded the complete rebuilding of the washroom at a children's home for girls in Nabarangpur district. The initiative came after the couple discovered the old facility was in a severely dilapidated condition and lacked a proper roof, making it unusable for the young residents.
Project Nears Completion for 49 Girl Inmates
The new washroom being constructed at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Girls' Ashram in Majhiguda is now in its final stages of completion. Once finished, it will serve 49 girl inmates ranging in age from six to 18 years. "Only the door and sanitaryware are left to be fitted. The bathrooms will be ready for use soon," confirmed Kanhu Raj Benjamin Singh Sadhu, the Nabarangpur-based social activist overseeing the project since January 1, 2026.
Sadhu explained that the bathroom has been thoughtfully partitioned to allow multiple children to use it simultaneously, addressing both privacy and efficiency concerns. This design consideration ensures the facility meets the practical needs of the home's residents.
Entrepreneur Couple's Social Work Initiative
The project began when Captain Arun Kar and his wife approached district authorities seeking opportunities for meaningful social work. "This programme started after discussions with local stakeholders highlighted the urgent need for safe sanitation facilities in a government-supported residential environment in Nabarangpur district," Arun explained.
He expressed shock at the condition of the original facility: "I was completely aghast to find that the old bathroom did not have a roof. It was impossible for anyone to use it." The deterioration was so severe that one of the dilapidated walls actually crumbled when construction work commenced.
Comprehensive Support Beyond Infrastructure
The couple's contribution extends beyond the washroom reconstruction. According to superintendent Baijayantimala Pattnayak, "The couple also supplied sanitary napkins for 38 girls for three months to the orphanage, 14 foldable study table-cum-chairs to the children's home as well as a CPU." This comprehensive support addresses multiple aspects of the girls' welfare and education.
District child protection officer Suresh Kumar Patnaik welcomed the initiative, stating: "The government welcomes funding from people for social causes." This endorsement highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing community needs.
Rigorous Verification Process
Before commencing the project, the couple ensured proper due diligence through their UK-based representatives, Dr. Bibhuti Pattnayak and Swagatika Tripathy. These representatives conducted an infrastructure gap assessment, after which local contacts performed ground-level verification in consultation with the district administration. This meticulous approach ensured resources were directed where they were most needed.
The washroom project represents a significant improvement in living conditions for the girls at the ashram, providing them with dignity, safety, and basic sanitation facilities that every child deserves. As the construction nears completion, the 49 young residents look forward to using a facility that respects their privacy and meets their fundamental needs.
