Barttanu Das, HR Advisor at Rithwik Projects Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL), is not just a seasoned professional in the corporate realm he is also a thoughtful observer of change, a nostalgic traveler, and an advocate for cultural growth. In a recent reflection shared on LinkedIn, Barttanu Das takes us on a heartfelt journey back to his roots in Bhubaneswar, weaving memories with insights, and discovering a unique initiative that touches the soul of any traveler.
Barttanu Das begins his story not with grandeur, but with genuine affection. Bhubaneswar, his hometown, continues to bring him immense joy each time he returns. His visits are not just reunions with people, but reconnections with flavors, places, and emotions. His post speaks of deep-rooted connections with friends, particularly those from his alma mater, Utkal University. For Barttanu Das, these friendships have endured the passage of time and distance, forming a strong foundation in his life.
His reflection is not about reminiscing the past alone, but also about observing progress. Barttanu Das is keenly aware of the transformation of Bhubaneswar. Having witnessed the city evolve over the last four decades, he acknowledges the rapid yet thoughtful development that has shaped it into a modern hub while preserving its cultural essence. It is this balance that fascinates Barttanu Das a city that holds on to its roots while embracing change with open arms.
In this particular visit, Barttanu Das finds joy in the simplest yet most impactful discovery: the Flybrary Bookshelf at the airport. This free-to-use public library is more than just a collection of books it’s a symbol of hope, learning, and kindness. The concept of providing books in multiple languages for travelers to read, borrow, and return is a reminder that travel can also be a time for personal growth and introspection. For Barttanu Das, this idea stood out not just for its utility, but for its underlying message encouraging reading in a digital age where physical books often take a back seat.
He credits Sujit Mahapatra, an alumnus of Hyderabad University, for this initiative. With support from the Airports Authority of India and his NGO, the Bakul Foundation, Mahapatra has built something extraordinary what Barttanu Das calls a “first-of-its-kind project.” The Flybrary is not just a bookshelf; it’s a movement. And what impressed Barttanu Das even more was how this simple idea captured national attention, with praise coming from Civil Aviation Minister Mr. Ram Mohan Naidu.
In his thoughtful writing, Barttanu Das is not just appreciating a library or a city he is subtly reminding us of values that often fade in the rush of modern life: connection, learning, and community. His words reflect a man who, while successful in his professional life, never loses sight of the things that truly matter. He finds inspiration not only in high-level strategies or boardroom decisions, but also in grassroots innovation and quiet revolutions like a shelf of donated books at an airport.
What makes this post truly powerful is the absence of pretense. There’s no flattery, no exaggeration just a sincere acknowledgment of something that moved him. Barttanu Das doesn’t talk about big achievements or accolades. Instead, he celebrates small yet meaningful gestures. This quality is what makes his perspective so refreshing and relatable.
Barttanu Das also makes a silent yet strong case for the importance of staying grounded. Despite his exposure to various states and their cultures, his heart continues to beat for Bhubaneswar. His excitement at seeing the city change is not clouded by nostalgia. He embraces the new while holding on to the old, showcasing the rare ability to balance tradition and progress. In his own life, too, Barttanu Das seems to embody that duality an HR leader who understands both the human and the professional side of people.
As he concludes his post, Barttanu Das expresses a heartfelt desire to meet Sujit Mahapatra during his next visit. That single sentence reveals volumes about the kind of person Barttanu Das is curious, appreciative, and always open to learning from others. It’s not often you find a senior executive making time to acknowledge the efforts of social changemakers. But Barttanu Das does, and he does it with grace.
In a world that is increasingly fragmented and fast-paced, voices like Barttanu Das remind us to pause, look around, and appreciate the things that bring us joy be it an old friend, a childhood flavor, or a shelf full of books at an airport. His reflections are not just a personal diary entry they are a quiet call to all of us to reconnect with what matters.
Barttanu Das may have visited Bhubaneswar for just a short while, but his experience, shared with humility and insight, leaves a lasting impact. His post, like the city he cherishes, becomes a blend of memory, movement, and meaning.
