The Maverick Business Tycoon – Interview Times
Mr. TP Mohanty is one of the reputed mine owners in Odisha, his owning company in the name of M/s TP Mohanty specializes in providing core area of expertise in mining, breeding, crushing and screening of iron and manganese ore. It is also involved in the export of iron ore fines and has a highly customized fleet of machinery supported by experienced and skilled teams of expert individuals in the field of contract jobs. His interest in diversifying his business led him to venture into the fields of oil and hospitality. He currently owns two Reliance Oil Pump outlets in Keonjhar, Odisha areas. Regarding the hospitality industry, he is the manager of Valley Hotel in Joda, Keonjhar district of Odisha. In 2019 he acquired Ashoka Industries Limited to be the General Manager of Fortune Park Sishmo Hotel, Bhubaneswar and in 2021 he acquired Niladree Build-Tech Private Limited to be the Chairman and Managing Director of East West Hotel in Puri , Odisha. Recently, he inaugurated an Advanced Ocular Trauma Center in collaboration with LV Prasad Eye Institute, Bhubaneswar.
MTP Mohanty, Past President of the Rotary Club, Joda generously donated $61,000 to The Rotary Foundation for the welfare of mankind. He continues to be an active member of this prestigious institution with a zeal to develop the backward areas of Odisha. He also holds the position of Vice President (Industries) at the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Utkal Limited.
Q1.You are one of Odisha’s super achievers in mining. How did the story unfold?
Answer. Luckily and coincidentally my birthplace is Joda, Barabil which is also one of the major mining belts in Odisha. Since the tender years, I had a keen interest in these mines for which I started my career as an entrepreneur under Odisha Mining Corporation. There, I learned all the serious things behind mining.
Ambitious and motivated, I realized my dream of owning a mine. I asked for all the permissions and finally, after 18 years, I got my dream of an iron ore and manganese mine.
2.Odisha has the best kept secret for mineral exploration, has Odisha capitalized its resources properly?
Answer. Odisha is endowed with varied natural resources, and I would like to wholeheartedly thank our honorable Chief Minister for implementing appropriate measures in exploring these reserves. This is also beneficial for the growth and development of our state. His initiative has earned us the distinction of producing the finest minerals in all of India. It has taken steps to enable GPS in mining and has enforced strict regulations for mining and safety under the General Directorate of Mine Safety. He developed the port facilities to facilitate the movement of minerals, which led to an increase in exports. China being the biggest importer of minerals from India largely depends on these ports of Odisha.
3. What is your opinion on the make-in-Odisha conclave 2022?
Answer. Our Honorable Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik ji has presented a very well planned initiative to spread Odisha’s donations throughout India and subsequently to other parts of the world. Apart from mining, Odisha is famous for its coffee cultivation in Koraput. Handwoven textiles, especially Sambalpuri sarees, are in great demand and if produced on a large scale can reach every corner of the world.
Pattachitra, a traditional form of painting, originated in Raghurajpur, a small village in Puri district. Pipili village in Puri is flocked by tourists from all over the world for their applique handicrafts. Boasting natural resources in the form of mountains, sea, forests, tourism plays an important role in generating income. I would ask big brands like Taj, ITC, Marriott to come into every nook and cranny of this state. The Make in Odisha initiative would ultimately provide a boost to employment in that state.
4. Do you think Odisha can become an industrial capital of India in the future?
Rep. I am sure that Odisha will be a hub for every industry in the near future. There are vast reserves of untapped natural resources which, if exploited under proper regulations, would see growth in several industries such as steel, aluminum and manganese. The handloom, arts and crafts industry has enormous potential to spread its wings.
5. You maintain a very discreet profile, what is the secret of your simple life?
Answer. Coming from the local level, staying grounded has always been my favorite motto in life. I have always strived to be focused in work and my only dream is to see this state being praised for its overall development.
