Shiba Shankar Jena, a humble tea seller from Suka Vihar in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has selflessly donated all his New Year’s Day earnings and half of his January income typically ranging from Rs 17,000 to Rs 20,000 for the past 10 years to support vital social causes.
These contributions have funded books for underprivileged slum children, wheelchairs for the mobility-impaired, food distributions at temples and hospitals, and even the installation of 18 public dustbins to enhance urban cleanliness.
In 2024, he specifically provided educational materials to local children, while his family of four embraces their simple life to sustain his philanthropy; recent Times of India coverage from late November 2025 underscores his inspiration from personal hardships, with community leaders praising his impact though no formal official statements are recorded, highlighting a grassroots model of kindness amid rising social awareness.
A Decade of Selfless Transformation
Shiba Shankar Jena’s extraordinary commitment began over a decade ago, rooted in a quiet resolve to channel his daily tea sales into tangible aid for Bhubaneswar’s vulnerable residents.
Operating a modest OMFED tea stall near the bustling RTO office, he earns a living serving countless cups to commuters, government workers, and passersby, all while keenly observing the community’s unmet needs from children lacking schoolbooks to families struggling with basic mobility.
Each year, without fail, he sets aside his New Year’s Day proceeds entirely and supplements them with half his January earnings, meticulously directing these funds toward one meaningful project or family in distress.
This hands-on philanthropy manifests in diverse, practical ways that directly touch lives. For instance, Jena has supplied essential textbooks and notebooks to children in nearby slums, ensuring they can pursue education despite poverty’s barriers.
He has procured wheelchairs for elderly or disabled individuals who otherwise navigate streets on foot, and organised free food distributions at temples and hospitals, providing nourishment to those in dire straits. His initiative to install 18 dustbins across key areas addresses civic hygiene, preventing litter and promoting a cleaner public environment a small yet visible upgrade that benefits thousands daily. “The amount I manage to save in a month isn’t much but it can make a small difference in the lives of people who need it the most,” Jena shared humbly, reflecting a philosophy where every rupee counts when guided by empathy.
Local observers and customers at his stall often recount how Jena pauses amid the morning rush to discuss needs with regulars, turning casual conversations into targeted aid. In 2024 alone, his focus on slum children’s education underscored a belief in long-term empowerment over fleeting relief.
This sustained effort, averaging Rs 17,000–20,000 annually from his limited income, stands as a testament to disciplined giving, free from publicity or expectation of reward. Community recognition has grown, with social media amplifying his story since late November 2025 via platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), inspiring viral shares that portray him as a modern-day chaiwallah hero.
Roots in Personal Resilience and Resolve
Jena’s journey from hardship to community pillar is as compelling as his donations. Orphaned at a young age following his father’s untimely death, he shouldered family responsibilities from just 11 years old, managing a small snack stall alongside his mother.
Those early years were marked by profound struggles frequent hunger, financial instability, and the relentless grind of survival in Bhubaneswar’s underbelly which forged an unshakeable determination to spare others similar suffering. “By the time I reached my 30s, I decided to help at least one person so that he or she does not suffer like I did,” he recounted, a pivotal moment that birthed his annual tradition.
Living in a modest slum dwelling with his elderly mother, wife, and young son, Jena’s family embodies quiet solidarity. They share simple meals and forgo luxuries, enabling his charitable outflows without resentment. His wife, in particular, supports the mission, understanding that their sacrifices ripple outward to uplift neighbours and strangers alike.
This personal backstory humanises his acts, transforming abstract generosity into a narrative of redemption and resolve. Past contributions even extended to larger causes, such as donating to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for repairing a vital CT scan machine at a local hospital, blending micro-level aid with broader welfare.
The timing of his story’s resurgence aligns with the festive close of 2025, as New Year reflections prompt stories of hope amid global uncertainties. Initial coverage by Times of India on 29 November 2025 sparked a wave of reposts across Instagram reels, Facebook, and news aggregators like NewsPoint, positioning Jena as a beacon in Odisha’s social fabric.
While no direct quotes from municipal officials appear in recent reports, indirect acclaim from local leaders via media echoes the sentiment that such individuals exemplify citizen-led progress, filling gaps where systemic support lags.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Shiba Shankar Jena’s unwavering dedication over a decade exemplifies the profound power of individual kindness, empathy, and harmony in fostering cohesive communities a core value The Logical Indian champions amid divisive times.
His choice to prioritise others’ needs over personal comfort challenges societal norms of self-interest, demonstrating that dialogue, compassion, and small, consistent actions can bridge divides, promote coexistence, and drive sustainable social change without relying on grand resources. In an era where corporate philanthropy often dominates headlines, Jena reminds us that true impact blooms from ordinary lives rooted in shared humanity, urging a cultural shift toward empathy-driven giving.
