Bhubaneswar: In her collection of poems, ‘A Better Me’, the first Odia woman Provident Fund Commissioner-turned author, Maushumi Lata Padhi, explores a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Her verses are reflective and intimate.
Her poems capture the courage it takes to let go of the past. It embraces hope against daily struggles and depicts how to step boldly into a brighter future.
She discovers the strength to rise again in comforts of own home, garden, family, friends and the simple joys of life. There’s also a never say die attitude, replete with the verses.
It is a poetic celebration of the enduring human spirit, which can always inspire to become a better one. In all her poems—from “Monday Moans”, “Thank God it’s Friday” to “Before Monday Knocks”—she emphasizes the fact that one needs to pause and relax to move forward.
“Reunion Ritual” will r
esonate to all schoolmates to bond over shared memories together and draw inspiration always. In “Deep Rest”, “Christmas message” and “A Classy Bottle”, she leaves a message of hope, positivity, gratitude and mindfulness.
Her poems highlight resilience and self-belief, which one can draw from one’s own strength. She encourages readers to recognise their own capabilities for growth and to overcome self-doubt, fear and anxiety. The poems are relatable to people from all walks of life as they depict the daily struggles of life in very simple verses. Not just about emotions, the collection of poem also offers simple practical tips within daily surroundings to grow and flourish.
The last poem is about self-improvement.
Padhi, a seasoned civil servant with over 32 years of experience in public service, believes that learning and teaching are inseparable journeys.
State topper of Supply Inspector Exam (1994 batch), she belonged to the first batch of Supply Inspector. She is the first lady Enforcement Officer of Odisha and the women’s topper in the EO/AO UPSC Examination (1999 batch).
Apart from creating awareness on Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act, 2013 (POSH Act, 2013), she has been taking steps to create a safe and secure work place for women over the past two decades.