Raksha Bandhan, a cherished festival in India, celebrates the unique bond between siblings. Beyond the traditional rituals of tying a protective thread and exchanging gifts, it carries a deeper significance that resonates in the professional aspirations of siblings too. It’s often seen that siblings not only support and protect each other but also inspire one another to excel, particularly in shared professions. The symbiotic relationship between siblings, combined with their innate rivalry, often becomes the driving force behind their collective success in the same field.
Siblings who share same professions often foster an environment of competition, camaraderie, and collaboration, propelling each other to greater achievements. Celebrity siblings like Kareena and Karishma Kapoor, Hardik and Krunal Pandya, Irfan and Yusuf Pathan and Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem are a few cases in point. Through career highs and lows, they exemplify how sibling support outshines even fame itself.
Ahead of Raksha Bandhan festival, Sunday POST engaged in insightful conversations with siblings who use their unique relationship as a source of inspiration and unwavering support for each other.
Sushama & Chitta Mishra, Odia poets
“From our early days, our paths as poets have been closely linked. Raksha Bandhan symbolises our commitment to safeguard each other’s aspirations and virtues. This occasion serves as a prompt to recognize the obligations and roles in shielding and advising our siblings. It’s an annual tradition that rejuvenates the sense of being a brother or sister, affirming that there exists someone in the world who cares and safeguards,” remarks Chitta Mishra, the author behind the compilation of Odia poems titled Mukhasala.
Mishra claims that he and his sister Sushama are only carrying on the family legacy.
“We were raised in a household where our family members held a deep admiration for literary figures. In our family, my father authored a novel, my grandfather was a children’s literature writer, and even my uncle contributed as a writer in the field of science literature. Naturally, they served as our role models. The desire to follow in their footsteps and become accomplished writers ourselves took root early, fueled by the unwavering support of our parents. United by our aspirations, we forged ahead, bolstering each other throughout the years. Following in my wake, my sister also embarked on her literary journey during her college years. Throughout this period, she stood by me, considering me her guiding light, seeking to emulate my approach, and engaging in discussions about literary subjects to refine her own ideas. With the unyielding backing of our family and the strength derived from my sister, our poetry has earned the admiration of others, leading us toward success,” says Mishra.
Asked if there is any professional rivalry between the two, he says, “Sushama and I have never been in a competitive relationship. Unlike in many families where parents encourage siblings to compare their achievements, we have taken a collaborative approach. Rather than urging each other to outdo the other, we have focused on mutual growth. As her elder brother, I consider it my responsibility to share the books and knowledge I’m familiar with when she expresses an interest in learning more. Our dynamic is centered around guidance and teamwork, rather than rivalry. For instance, when she writes something, I help refine or rephrase it as needed. Our interactions are characterised by cooperation and a joint effort towards improvement,” concludes the retired professor.
Sushama Mishra, the author of the poem Hatha Muthare Swapna, echoes similar sentiment. Growing up together under the same roof with parental care and guidance, they engage in minor disagreements that are followed by renewed friendship, eventually developing into an enduring ‘Best Friend Forever’ bond, says Sushama about her camaraderie with her brother.
“This sibling connection is deeply embedded in our culture. An example of this is found in the birth of sister Subhadra, between her brothers Lords Balabhadra and Jagannath. Another illustration is the tale of Taapoi and her seven brothers, showcasing sibling love. Since ages, sisters comprehend their brothers’ wishes, just as brothers understand their sisters’ aspirations. Regardless of age, sisters have a dependable friend in their brothers, whether older or younger.”
Speaking about her inclination towards literature, Sushama continues: “In alignment with my brother’s observation, hailing from a family rooted in literary pursuits, I too developed a liking for poetry. This inclination led me to embark on my writing journey during my college years. Chitta bhai offered unwavering encouragement and valuable inputs for my compositions, including research paper references. He assisted me in refining my work, incorporating fresh elements into my poems to achieve a seamless result.”
Acknowledging the role of her brothers, the recipient of the Utkal Sahitya Sanskruti Award says, “I consider myself fortunate to hold the cherished role of being the sister to three siblings – one elder and two younger. Going beyond their professions, they too have explored other creative mediums. Dr. Biswaranjan Mishra, the middle brother and a cardiologist, is also a good painter while the youngest amongst us, Manoranjan Mishra, a banker, passionately pursues literature, crafting exquisite poems showcased on his blogs. In this familial trio, my elder brother serves as my guiding light in the literary realm, the middle brother embellishes my books with his sketches, and the youngest, a fond admirer, critically evaluates my writings,” adds Sushama.
“Tying a Rakhi is a symbolic gesture of wishing for the overall well-being of one’s brothers. Infused with these heartfelt prayers, the Rakhi undergoes a metamorphosis from a simple thread into an enduring embodiment of a sister’s affection and love. Likewise, a brother’s gift on this occasion transcends its physical form, representing his unwavering care for his sister. Whether it pertains to matters in my daily life or my literary pursuits, my elder brother consistently stands as a pillar of support. This privilege is one I hold in high regard,” signs off Sushama wishing all brothers and sisters a joyful Raksha Bandhan festival.
Swaraj & Saisrutee, Movie actors
Top Odia film actor Swaraj Barik who looks forward to his upcoming release Pratha, says “Much like the symbolic thread of protection woven during Raksha Bandhan, it materializes the intangible strands of encouragement and drive that siblings contribute to each other’s career paths. In my case, our shared enthusiasm sparks lively conversations and reciprocal learning. Raksha Bandhan acts as an annual reaffirmation of our dedication to both supporting and pushing each other and is a promise not only for one day but through my life that I will be there to support her.”
Speaking about the bonding between him and his sister Saisrutee who has appeared as a child artiste in movies like Sister Sridevi, BijuBabu and others, the Tu Mo Love Story actor shares, “I am kind of protective about her and the closest to her. As being her elder brother and a senior in the industry, I have mentored and guided her to deliver her role perfectly in the movies. On the other hand, though I don’t expect much from her, she has always been concerned about me.”
To what extent he has been motivated by his kid sister? Responding to this, Swaraj says, “Life is all about learning and there are a lot of lessons to be learnt from even a child. It’s for nothing that Saisrutee has appeared in so many movies at such an early age. She is patient, sincere and always eager to adjust to changing situations, the traits everyone, regardless of age group, must possess and I’m no exception.”
On the importance of the Festival of Thread, he says, “I believe that love and trust aren’t wholly dependent on Rakhi, they extend throughout a lifetime. No matter the circumstances, I am committed to being there for her always. Raksha Bandhan serves as a small reminder of the joyful and fortunate relationship between siblings – the most genuine connection,” the actor, who looks forward to his upcoming release Pratha, says.
For Saisrutee, brother Swaraj is her role model.
“Since he too was a child artiste when he started off in the industry, I can’t go past him for drawing inspiration. I look up to him for how he approaches a character and his professionalism. So, it goes without saying that he is a perfect role model for me and many others.”
Luma & Leesha Rath, Fashion bloggers
It’s not always the tie between a brother and sister which helps each other flourish in their careers. Here’re two sisters who not only tie Rakhi on each other’s wrist during the Thread Festival, they also motivate each other for their mutual growth.
“Raksha Bandhan is a reminder of the unbreakable bond my sister and I share. Our shared profession in lifestyle blogging has led to a wonderful journey of creativity and competition. Leesha and I are two sisters hailing from different generations, with an age gap of eight years between us. The idea to create our blog originated when we desired to document our life’s journey encompassing our interests in fashion, fitness, travel, food, lifestyle, and life itself. Despite the generational gap, we lend each other mutual support, drawing the best from both worlds. Our aim is to foster growth and learning together,” says Luma, a lifestyle blogger.
Leesha, on the other hand, is of the opinion that their shared objective is powered by the synergy of two minds, driven by intention, love, and unwavering support, leading to accelerated manifestations.
“We feel incredibly fortunate and thankful. As Indians, we deeply embrace and live our culture, finding spiritual significance in every festival. Take the example of Rakhi Purnima symbolizing fulfillment, commitment, and gratitude. We hold a profound appreciation for being siblings, believing that destiny brought us together for a purpose,” she quips.
Reflecting on their childhood, Leesha says, “The innate instinct to protect and unconditionally love our own is ingrained within us, creating a foundation for mutual empowerment. We serve as each other’s first critics, fostering empowerment. We rely on each other for inspiration, resourcefulness, technical expertise, literature, research, and more.”
She concludes by saying that, “Unlike a competitive dynamic, our relationship is founded on support and collaboration. We stand by one another during fast-paced moments or when one of us needs to slow down, always striving for harmony.”
MADHUSMITA SAHU, OP