The twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack have seen many changes in the recent years. The smart city tag for Bhubaneswar could be a reason behind its active participation in all things fun and progressive. Whatever may be the case, the city is living up to its newfound recognition with gusto. Events like kayaking are testimony to the fact.Proving naysayers wrong, Bhubaneswar provided a unique opportunity for its residents. Youngsters and adventure lovers took part in a kayaking event in the Puri canal near Nakhara between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Dr Sachin Ramesh, who hails from Karnataka and pursues his Master’s degree at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, is happy with the change. “Having witnessed such events regularly in Karnataka, I missed these adventure sports here. But because of some youngsters’ efforts, it is now happening here too,” said the doctor.He was accompanied by Dr Prerna Das, another PG student of MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur. For her, it was a one-of-its-kind experience. She was nervous as well as excited. Adjusting the camera tied to her body to capture videos while kayaking, she said she had never done this before. “I hope everything goes well,” she said. After she finished, she shared her experience with us. “First, I was quite afraid. But once you step on to the boat and start rowing, things go smooth. Navigating the upstream tests your physical strength,” said Das.Satyaki Bose, a young entrepreneur who in collaboration with a reputed sports goods shop located in Nakhara organised the kayaking workshop, is happy that his firm is trying to bring these adventure activities to the twin cities. “For a large number of people in the state, doing something different from normal means indulging in some known sporting activities. People are not aware of others like kayaking, scuba diving, trekking, hiking and camping. Many youngsters go outside the state to experience them. We have brought kayaking to the residents,” said Satyaki.He has a plan chalked out that will help them to try and organise this event every month. “The twin city has a lot of natural resources, we just need to tap them to arrange these activities,” said the youngster.It was the first time that Soumya Prakash Rath, a software engineer, had tried to talk himself into experiencing an adventure sports like kayaking. “I had registered for it. But I was confused and a little nervous. But once you step into the water and know that you will not drown, you start taking it easy. The adrenaline rush will make you do the rest. You will just enjoy from then on,” said Soumya.Even for the young physiotherapist Pinak Ranjan the first time was such an experience that he will now look forward to more such occasions. “The upstream movement was a little tough since I had to navigate keeping pace with the speed of water. But it was real fun,” he said.Of late, the authorities have been trying to make Bhubaneswar a prominent city for various sporting occasions. Several national and international sporting events were successfully organised and many more lined up. “These adventurous activities will help change the image of the city. When tourists will visit, they will search for these experiences. Many young techies and corporate employees here want to engage in these activities during weekends,” said Debasish Sahu, an entrepreneur.(Photos: Sumit Nayak)

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