A travel enthusiast, Abhishek Sahoo, currently working with Rustamjee Spaces as a Customer Relationship Executive, is making merry while the sun shines.
“Not all who wander are lost,” says Abhishek with the brightest smile. With that statement, it’s quite evident that he loves to travel. And his solo trip to Vizag, Andhra Pradesh from his hometown Bhubaneshwar, Odisha brought to him a plethora of experiences, filling his heart with joy. On a fine sunny morning of April 2017, the traveler in him made him pick up his bag of bare necessities and his car keys and drive off to Vizag his first solo trip. “It was just as if the beaches of Vizag were calling out to me,” he exclaims. The 500-km journey was an experience of a lifetime. Cool breeze, sunny beaches, a joyous heart, clear mind and a shiny sky he couldn’t ask for more. Sometimes unplanned events bring out the best in you. As he says, “It’s fine not knowing what’s in store for you. You don’t always have to plan your future. I feel that unforeseen events create some of the best memories. And quite frankly, I live for them.”
Born to Manoj and Manika Sahoo in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Abhishek’s modest upbringing is a clear testament of his liberal attitude. He completed most of his education in Odisha. With the aim of flying high, he opted for BBA from Utkal University. Soon after his graduation, he took a year’s gap to actually understand what he wanted from life. “That one year opened several doors for me. I understood myself better, travelled places and spent time with my family and friends. By the end of the year, my mind was crystal clear and I was completely game for the upcoming events,” he says.
He also inherited the passion for exploring the roads less travelled from his father. “Every year without fail, my father used to take us on these amazing trips. Delhi, Shimla, Chennai, Vizag we have seen most of India courtesy my father’s love for travelling. And that’s where I got the bug to visit new places,” he explains.
Clearly, for him, his father was his hero who taught him several virtues of life one of them being patience. Growing up, his father always preached about the importance of being calm and composed. “There were times when people doubted my capabilities in picking up my future, but it was my father who assured me that I should go with my gut. And look where I have landed a decent job and a happy heart,” he says. He always lives by his father’s preaching, “Stay calm, what belongs to you shall come back.”
“There were times when people doubted my capabilities in picking up my future, but it was my father who assured me that I should go with my gut. And look where I have landed a decent job and a happy heart”
College life for Abhishek was a great learning experience. Heading cultural fests in college gave him the opportunity to see life from a closer perspective. “For me leading the fests was a huge responsibility. It made me realize my capabilities. Successfully curating one of the biggest fests in Bhubaneshwar was an immense confidence booster,” he says. The tradition of leading fests continued while he was in Pune for post-graduation at one of India’s renowned B-Schools. There he ensured the smooth working of various dance shows organized by his college.
Time management was one of the few learnings that his college life taught him. “We ran a tight schedule. It looked like a mammoth task first, but later it became a part of my life. Managing college and social life became fun. Not to forget, I made close friends during this time who later became a part of my family,” he reminisces.
Everyone teaches you a lot, more so your friends, he feels. When his life hit rock bottom during his college days, only a few of his friends stuck by him. “Those days were tough. Not knowing what to do, I derived most of my strength from my close friends Pooja and Somya. Later, I gained confidence and picked myself up. All I learnt was to stay strong with my head held high,” says an emotional Abhishek.
Abhishek Sahoo (left) with his roommates all geared up for a DJ night
Abhishek Sahoo during his annual class photoAbhishek is a foodie who loves to gorge on food at any time of the day. “My affection for food made my life beautiful. Food will never disappoint you,” says Abhishek, who turns to food be it any moment. He not only loves to eat, but his passion for food has turned him into an amazing home chef. After several attempts, he mastered making the Mughlai Chicken and lip-smacking Chicken Biryani. “I get it from my mother. She taught me the basics of cooking. Her food melts my heart and fills my stomach with joy,” he smiles. Taking forward his passion for food, he hopes to set up a fine dining restaurant.
“Getting placed with the best company and learning as much as I can topped my to-do list then,” he says. Further adding, “I still remember the day when I got the confirmation from the company I had applied to. Awaiting a mail from them made me quite anxious hence I decided to hit the gym. A few minutes into the workout, the phone rang and my heart started racing. Things fell in place and I got the acceptance letter. That day will always be etched in my memory.”
Abhishek has been working with Rustamjee Spaces, Mumbai, as a Customer Relationship Executive (CRE) for four months now. Responsible for handling customers’ needs and wishes pertaining to real estate, Abhishek’s experience has grown leaps and bounds just within a few days. Elated with the work environment, he says, “Working with this esteemed organization is a dream come true. Getting the opportunity to work at both the main and site office, my knowledge got a great boost. Interacting with people to understand their needs has helped me polish my communication skills. The work journey has been great so far and I am eager to know what’s in store for me next.” Describing his work, he explains, “The CRE duties are increasingly becoming pivotal. With the rising demands of the customers, we need to update our knowledge as per the target market. That’s where my interest peaks. While dealing with customer needs, we ought to offer them ideas and insights as a means of building a lifelong relationship with them.”
By Ekta Katti
