Stories

For a long time, I was thinking of writing something. But I never started.

My wife Payel, my friends, and many well-wishers always encouraged me –

Patra, you should write. You should share your story

And honestly, I wanted to. But work, family, and many other things kept delaying it.

Still, the thought was always there in my heart. I remember the day – Wednesday, 21st September 2022 – when I first seriously thought, “Let me begin.“

I wanted to write in Bengali, the language that feels like home. My friend Adarsh told me,

Write in Bengali, it’ll help many people understand better

That inspired me more.

But time passed… and I still didn’t begin.

Then something beautiful happened. On 7th April 2024, God gave me the best gift of my life – my son, Hridansh, whom I lovingly call Sona Baba. After he came into my life, everything felt new again – a new reason to smile, a new reason to do better.

Now it’s 4th April 2025 – I still haven’t officially started the blog, but I feel like this story is the start.

My journey has been full of roles, learnings, and changes. In the early days, I worked as a multimedia and computer teacher, a 2D animator, and a DTP designer. I also worked as a freelancer, doing 3D home interiors, graphics, and web design projects.

Later, I became a web designer and developer, a UI/UX researcher, and now I’m working as a Senior Engineering Manager at Verse Innovation Pvt. Ltd., building smooth and meaningful digital experiences across WEB, WAP, AMP, and PWA platforms.

But my journey started long before this role.

I’ve had the chance to work at some great places like Network18 in Mumbai, where my team lead Suresh helped me learn JavaScript, XML, and more. I’ve worked at several companies in Kolkata like Karshan Technology, SDCL, SIT, and Belovista Technology.

I was also a computer teacher at the Rita Computer Center, Park Circus, Kolkata, and a Multimedia & DTP trainer at SISI, under MSME – Development Government of India, in Dunlop, Kolkata.

But none of this would be possible without the people who supported me.

My parents have been there since Day 1. Every step I took, they stood behind me with love and strength. Their blessings and belief shaped me into the person I am today.

My wife Payel is my everyday support. She handles so much with love and patience so I can follow my dreams. Without her, this journey wouldn’t be possible.

Many seniors helped me too – Sanjoy Kaku, Mrinal da, Suman da, Minmoy Sir, Sanjay Da, Rajib Da, Debu Da, Angshu Da, Arnab da, Sajo and many more. Some helped me in Fine Arts, others in education, and others in my working life. Each one helped me grow.

But two people truly changed my path – Vishal Sir and Bapu Sir. They are not just seniors or bosses – they are my teachers.

Vishal Sir gave me the opportunity to build my first product (m.dailyhunt.in front-end WAP experience). He believed in me when I doubted myself. Because of him, I learned UI/UX, started the product thinking, and how to look at users with empathy.

And “Patra” calls me first Vishal Sir – in a single word, Patra name was given by Vishal Sir.

On the other hand, Bapu Sir taught me how to manage people and work with confidence. He always believed in me – often more than I believed in myself.

One line he said still stays in my heart –

Patra, jab gaadi kharidoge, gaadi gaddhe mein giregi. Agar gaadi gaddhe se nahi nikal paayi, uske liye main hoon (Meaning: “Patra, when you buy a car, it will fall into a pit. If it can’t get out of that pit, I’ll be there for it”)

That one sentence changed my mindset.

Earlier, I used to think I was just a front-end guy, but he helped me discover a new version of myself. He spent time with me even after office hours, teaching and guiding. He’s truly my “Dronacharya” in life.

He once said:

Patra, code aapko likhna nahi hai, likhwaana hai. (Meaning: “Patra, you don’t need to write the code — you need to get it written.”)

And:

Patra, aapko kaam dekh kar poochhta nahi hoon, mujhe pata hota hai ho jaayega. (Meaning: “Patra, I don’t need to ask whether the work will be done — I know it will be.”)

– that gave me the confidence that I can do anything.

One more person who guided me like a true mentor is Ajay Sir. He taught me to speak clearly, stay calm, and channel my energy in the right way. He always advises me on which tech stack to use, based on project needs – so my work becomes smarter and smoother.

He’s like a guide at every moment, always boosting my confidence. With him, I never feel like he’s just a manager or senior. He’s like a mentor who walks beside me.

My friends – Vill, Keshri, Amarjit, Sharad, Vaibhav, Sumit, Arun, John, Abhishak, Bhuina, Santu, Umesh Bhai, Pradip Da and many others – have always stood by me.

And my team? They are my backbone. They stand with me 24×7 – without them, this journey wouldn’t be possible. In every company, my team gives me a lot of support, and I’m proud to have earned their trust and respect.

While writing this, I know I may have missed some names… But in my heart, I’m grateful to every person who touched my life. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

This story isn’t just about me – It’s about everyone who walked with me.