From a thatched hut to 450+ students: the Eugenix-backed school in rural Keonjhar opens a library honouring one of Odisha’s greatest literary voices
Keonjhar, September 15, 2026: Odia cinema superstar Babushaan Mohanty on Thursday inaugurated the Manoj Das Library at Utkal Gaurav International School in Berunapadi, Soso, Keonjhar, a philanthropic initiative of Eugenix Hair Sciences. Named after celebrated Odia writer and thinker Manoj Das, the library is designed to spark a love of reading, curiosity and independent thinking, while connecting students with Odisha’s rich literary and cultural heritage.
The library marks a new chapter in an extraordinary story. What began more than a decade ago in a humble thatched hut, built on the belief that every rural child deserves a quality education, has grown into an English-medium international school serving 450+ students from underprivileged communities.
Guided by the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, the school’s philosophy of “Efficiency with Spiritual Values” pairs modern academic rigour with timeless Eastern values, preparing children for the modern world while building character, empathy, discipline and purpose. It mirrors the conviction of Eugenix co-founder Dr. Pradeep Sethi that modern science and human values belong together.
During his visit, Babushaan spent time with the students, urging them to read widely, stay curious and pursue their ambitions with confidence, turning the inauguration into a day of real excitement for the young learners.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Pradeep Sethi, Co-Founder & Chairman, Eugenix Hair Sciences, and Founder Managing Trustee, Utkal Gaurav Foundation, said, “I have seen this school’s journey from its very first day. It began as a thatched hut and a simple belief that every child, wherever they come from, deserves a good education. To stand here today and watch these children learning, dreaming and growing in a school we once could only imagine is deeply emotional for me. I have always believed that a book can change the way a child sees the world. My hope is that these shelves will hold not just books, but dreams, questions and memories our children will carry for the rest of their lives.”
Babushaan Mohanty said, “I am truly honoured to inaugurate the Manoj Das Library. What moved me most was the passion and eagerness of these students to learn and build a better future. Their enthusiasm was overwhelming. Dr. Pradeep Sethi has built more than a school here; he has built a bridge between these children and the opportunities that will shape their lives. Being part of this journey is a privilege.”
ABOUT UTKAL GAURAV INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Utkal Gaurav International School is an English-medium school in Berunapadi, Soso, Keonjhar district, Odisha, run by Utkal Gaurav Foundation. Inspired by the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, it offers quality, values-based education to 450+ students from underprivileged rural communities.
ABOUT EUGENIX HAIR SCIENCES
Eugenix Hair Sciences is a premium, NABH-accredited hair restoration clinic co-founded by Dr. Pradeep Sethi and Dr. Arika Bansal, both MD Dermatology from AIIMS New Delhi. Pioneers of the proprietary DHT (Direct Hair Transplantation) technique and focused exclusively on hair since 2010, Eugenix has treated patients from 90+ countries across its clinics in Gurugram, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar.