BHUBANESWAR: Teenagers love partying, but this 19-year-old turned it into his passion and got into organising parties and events, using his interest positively. Jai Debata founded the Urban Party People (UPP) in 2011 with his best friend. He is primarily into entertainment parties, recreation activities and events, but heartily contributes a portion of the money raised from these events to charity — child education and old age homes.
“It sometimes feels funny to give donation from the money that comes from dancing and having fun, but that is what we do. It’s fun,” he says, smiling from ear to ear. Taking advantage of their rising popularity among the youth, UPP organised a candle-lit peace walk in 2012 with over 300 students, to highlight the need for and effective implementation of the Lokpal Bill.
In 2013, they produced a rock band concert, providing opportunity to over 30 young and budding musicians. Keeping in mind the unfortunate tragedy that occurred then — the Uttarakhand flash flood — a percentage from the ticket sales was forwarded to the State for relief measures. The same year, Urban Party People was a member of the organising committee of Joy of Giving Week for Odisha circle, where they worked to get migrant labourers night shelters .
Jai comes from a family involved in the arts and creativity, with his mother being an eminent Odissi dancer, and father, a cinematographer. “They support me in all my odd decisions and unconventionality,” he says.
In his second year of BSc in Hospitality at Institute of Hotel Management, Bhubaneswar, Jai is currently an intern at a five-star property in Gurgaon, for four months. He is happy providing entertainment to those who can afford it, and helping out those who cannot. He plays his part like a young Robin Hood, by ethical means, and says he will continue doing so.
— bagmishree5@gmail.com